Whether you think it is just throwing stones, a jab fest, or a slug fest, it is a pugilistic event of the written kind, a war of the words, if you will.
The first jab was thrown by Republican Maggie Thurber, former Lucas County Commissioner, when she wrote a guest opinion piece in the June 20, 2008 edition of the Toledo Free Press in regards to Democrat Ben Konop, current Lucas County Commissioner and his economic development proposals. She entitled her contribution Konopnomics.
Ben Konop bounced back with his own guest column piece in the June 27, 2008 edition of the Toledo Free Press in response to that of Maggie Thurber. What other title could Ben Konop choose but that of Thurbernomics.
For the nitty gritty details, read both Konopnomics and Thurbernomics.
Then, if you want to add your two-cents worth, feel free to weigh in with your comments.
Hey, I have what I think is a great idea. Both Ben Konop and Maggie Thurber should meet, face to face, in a public forum and debate one another on the perspectives each shared in their Toledo Free Press guest commentaries.
Furthermore, I would go so far as to suggest that such debate should be sponsored by an organization such as the League of Women Voters or the area Chamber of Commerce or some such other civic organization.
I'll even go one step further in my suggestion. Should such an event take place, I suggest (nay, I challenge) the local broadcast media (to step up to the plate) to cover the debate live.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Lindsay Webb: COSI, Gambling, and Governor Strickland
I read with great interest The Blade article COSI Toledo on the brink of breaking lease, Council is poised to help by Blade staff writer Ignazio Messina.
If you recall, Tim Higgins of Just Blowing Smoke weighed in on COSI when he wrote COSI - Titannic of Toledo.
I have made comments on other blogs and Internet forums on the issue of COSI to the effect that I like COSI but COSI of Toledo broke the promise to be self-sustaining; and, I have also suggested COSI merge with the Challenger Learning Center of Lucas County.
However, this Roland Hansen Commentary entry is not about COSI. Rather, it is about an interesting paragraph at the end of the Ignazio Messina article cited in the opening paragraph above.
It’s this part of that article:
Councilman Lindsay Webb yesterday said the city-owned building is not the right place for a children's science museum. "I just wish Governor Strickland would make gambling legal in Ohio and we could put a casino where COSI is," Ms. Webb said.
Lindsay Webb is a good person and I like Lindsay. But, as she has been informed and as most other politicos in the Toledo and Lucas County area know, I say and write what I think. I do not roll over and go-along to get-along. That brings me to the point of this Roland Hansen Commentary.
In addition to being an elected member of Toledo City Council, Lindsay Webb is an attorney. In her capacity as a political person, I understand the motivation for Lindsay Webb’s comments (if they were reported accurately) in regards to COSI, gambling and Governor Strickland. However, in her capacity as an attorney, I would expect her to be familiar with the existing laws of Ohio, the Ohio Constitution, and the limitations of authority placed upon the Governor of Ohio.
Since when has Governor Strickland or any Governor of Ohio had the authority to make gambling legal in Ohio?
Perhaps Lindsay Webb does know something about the existing laws of Ohio in regards to gambling and about the Governor’s authority in legalizing gambling of which I am not aware. Maybe, I am incorrect. Maybe, I am wrong. However, I do not believe the Governor has the legal authority of which Lindsay Webb attributes him. Please, someone, correct me if I am mistaken.
If you recall, Tim Higgins of Just Blowing Smoke weighed in on COSI when he wrote COSI - Titannic of Toledo.
I have made comments on other blogs and Internet forums on the issue of COSI to the effect that I like COSI but COSI of Toledo broke the promise to be self-sustaining; and, I have also suggested COSI merge with the Challenger Learning Center of Lucas County.
However, this Roland Hansen Commentary entry is not about COSI. Rather, it is about an interesting paragraph at the end of the Ignazio Messina article cited in the opening paragraph above.
It’s this part of that article:
Councilman Lindsay Webb yesterday said the city-owned building is not the right place for a children's science museum. "I just wish Governor Strickland would make gambling legal in Ohio and we could put a casino where COSI is," Ms. Webb said.
Lindsay Webb is a good person and I like Lindsay. But, as she has been informed and as most other politicos in the Toledo and Lucas County area know, I say and write what I think. I do not roll over and go-along to get-along. That brings me to the point of this Roland Hansen Commentary.
In addition to being an elected member of Toledo City Council, Lindsay Webb is an attorney. In her capacity as a political person, I understand the motivation for Lindsay Webb’s comments (if they were reported accurately) in regards to COSI, gambling and Governor Strickland. However, in her capacity as an attorney, I would expect her to be familiar with the existing laws of Ohio, the Ohio Constitution, and the limitations of authority placed upon the Governor of Ohio.
Since when has Governor Strickland or any Governor of Ohio had the authority to make gambling legal in Ohio?
Perhaps Lindsay Webb does know something about the existing laws of Ohio in regards to gambling and about the Governor’s authority in legalizing gambling of which I am not aware. Maybe, I am incorrect. Maybe, I am wrong. However, I do not believe the Governor has the legal authority of which Lindsay Webb attributes him. Please, someone, correct me if I am mistaken.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Television: Little or No News
Coming up next. Right after this. Stay tuned. Breaking news.
I have tired of hearing those phrases on television news programs. Those along with news readers (there use to be reporters, but no more) who overuse words such as now and obviously. On top of all that, the television people keep telling me what they're going to tell me. They tell me that 3 or 4 or more times. And then, when they do tell me what they said they would tell me, they tell me very little more than what they said they would tell me. They've gotten to be just like Entertainment Tonight and similar crap TV.
On top of all that cowchips stuff, the so-called weather forecasters keep telling me throughout the news broadcast a little bit about the weather and to stay tuned so I can learn later in the broadcast whether there is rain or sunshine in the weather forcast.
Another irritant are these less-than-intelligent donkeys who keep a ridiculous smile on their faces while reading the news to us. One long tenure female employee on a local Toledo, Ohio television station even keeps her silly looking smile on her overly made-up face when providing information of a sad and serious nature.
The result of all which has made me a former viewer of television news. With a rare exception here and there, I no longer tune into local or national ABC, CBS, NBC, or FOX news broadcasts.
I can't help but think how much more news coverage and reporting could be done if those dipwads would quit telling me what they are going to tell me and if they would quit saying "coming up next" over and over again!
I have tired of hearing those phrases on television news programs. Those along with news readers (there use to be reporters, but no more) who overuse words such as now and obviously. On top of all that, the television people keep telling me what they're going to tell me. They tell me that 3 or 4 or more times. And then, when they do tell me what they said they would tell me, they tell me very little more than what they said they would tell me. They've gotten to be just like Entertainment Tonight and similar crap TV.
On top of all that cowchips stuff, the so-called weather forecasters keep telling me throughout the news broadcast a little bit about the weather and to stay tuned so I can learn later in the broadcast whether there is rain or sunshine in the weather forcast.
Another irritant are these less-than-intelligent donkeys who keep a ridiculous smile on their faces while reading the news to us. One long tenure female employee on a local Toledo, Ohio television station even keeps her silly looking smile on her overly made-up face when providing information of a sad and serious nature.
The result of all which has made me a former viewer of television news. With a rare exception here and there, I no longer tune into local or national ABC, CBS, NBC, or FOX news broadcasts.
I can't help but think how much more news coverage and reporting could be done if those dipwads would quit telling me what they are going to tell me and if they would quit saying "coming up next" over and over again!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Candidates and Presidents: Communication and Leadership
Generally speaking, I try to not do much commentary in my other blog, Roland's Ramblings, that I like to think of as a sort of almanac of random facts and information; it's like going into a book store and randomly picking up different books and then randomly reading various pages.
Oh, here I am rambling on again. Well, anyways, somehow, some commentary squeaked into Roland's Ramblings today. Consequently, I figured why not put some of that entry here as well. Ergo, below is an excerpt of that posting:
A good leader is a good communicator. The Presidency of the United States of America is one of the most important leadership positions in the world. In the past year, there have been and still are candidates seeking to be President of the United States. All of them have had their share of problems when it comes to communication.
George W. Bush has his own style of communication. For fear of an extremely negative expression on my perspective of Bush, I shall not comment on that —- oops.
One United States President stands out in American history in the area of communication skills. The legacy of that President lives on in that regard as he was called The Great Communicator. Regardless of political perspective, whether one agreed or disagreed with his politics, President Ronald Reagan had charisma that complemented his communication.
Whether the next President of the United States is able to be a great communicator is any one’s guess at this point.
If your interest is aroused, you may read the full text of the entry with its embedded links that I think are interesting, informative, and educational, by visiting the Roland's Ramblings entry Communication and Leadership.
Oh, here I am rambling on again. Well, anyways, somehow, some commentary squeaked into Roland's Ramblings today. Consequently, I figured why not put some of that entry here as well. Ergo, below is an excerpt of that posting:
A good leader is a good communicator. The Presidency of the United States of America is one of the most important leadership positions in the world. In the past year, there have been and still are candidates seeking to be President of the United States. All of them have had their share of problems when it comes to communication.
George W. Bush has his own style of communication. For fear of an extremely negative expression on my perspective of Bush, I shall not comment on that —- oops.
One United States President stands out in American history in the area of communication skills. The legacy of that President lives on in that regard as he was called The Great Communicator. Regardless of political perspective, whether one agreed or disagreed with his politics, President Ronald Reagan had charisma that complemented his communication.
Whether the next President of the United States is able to be a great communicator is any one’s guess at this point.
If your interest is aroused, you may read the full text of the entry with its embedded links that I think are interesting, informative, and educational, by visiting the Roland's Ramblings entry Communication and Leadership.
Friday, June 13, 2008
A View Of America
Click to read Poll: Many in world look to US election for change.
Click to read Court says detainees have rights, bucking Bush.
Roland Hansen Commentary: George W. Bush will go down in the history books as the President who did the most damage to the United States both at home and abroad. George W, Bush should have been impeached along with the imperialist Vice President Dick Cheney, both of whom have acted in ways that demonstrate their attitude that not only are they above the law but also that the law does not apply to them.
Click to read Court says detainees have rights, bucking Bush.
Roland Hansen Commentary: George W. Bush will go down in the history books as the President who did the most damage to the United States both at home and abroad. George W, Bush should have been impeached along with the imperialist Vice President Dick Cheney, both of whom have acted in ways that demonstrate their attitude that not only are they above the law but also that the law does not apply to them.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
No Presidential Nominee Yet
Below is a comment I made on another blog:
I remain a John Edwards supporter.
As far as I am concerned, there is no Democratic nominee for President until the vote is taken at the Democratic Party National Convention.
Furthermore, I think way too many people jump ship way too early in order to jump on a bandwagon. People need to be more committed to their ideals and principles.
There, I've said it! And, I'm not taking it back.
(Now, you know why I always seem to get into trouble and have been labeled by some as a loose cannon -- I say what I mean -- Perish the thought!!!)
While my comment is in regards to the Democratic Party Presidential Primary Campaign, the same can be said about the Republican Party Presidential Primary Campaign.
Minor or third political parties are another story entirely!
Incidentally, you may wish to read the blog entry that precipitated my comment.
If so. go read My Message to Clinton Supporters - Don't get over it from the Liberal Common Sense blog of Lisa Renee.
p.s.
Hey Tom,
Thanks for telling me last year about the "loose cannon" label that had been used in making reference to me by some local dems. It sure has come in handy.
Unlike so many people, I am not afraid to say what I think; nor, am I afraid of, or intimidated by, others.
I remain a John Edwards supporter.
As far as I am concerned, there is no Democratic nominee for President until the vote is taken at the Democratic Party National Convention.
Furthermore, I think way too many people jump ship way too early in order to jump on a bandwagon. People need to be more committed to their ideals and principles.
There, I've said it! And, I'm not taking it back.
(Now, you know why I always seem to get into trouble and have been labeled by some as a loose cannon -- I say what I mean -- Perish the thought!!!)
While my comment is in regards to the Democratic Party Presidential Primary Campaign, the same can be said about the Republican Party Presidential Primary Campaign.
Minor or third political parties are another story entirely!
Incidentally, you may wish to read the blog entry that precipitated my comment.
If so. go read My Message to Clinton Supporters - Don't get over it from the Liberal Common Sense blog of Lisa Renee.
p.s.
Hey Tom,
Thanks for telling me last year about the "loose cannon" label that had been used in making reference to me by some local dems. It sure has come in handy.
Unlike so many people, I am not afraid to say what I think; nor, am I afraid of, or intimidated by, others.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Hillary and Obama in Puerto Rico
Democratic Party Presidential Primary Election Update:
A decision was made about the delegates from Florida and Michigan.
Read this story of Florida and Michigan.
The Puerto Rico results are in.
Go ahead and read this Puerto Rico story.
Now, tell me what you think.
My thoughts are simply put. The entire Democratic Party Presidential Primary selection process for the past year is ONE BIG JOKE!!! It has been flawed from the start and has been mostly manipulated from the very start by the Fourth Estate - plain and simple.
A decision was made about the delegates from Florida and Michigan.
Read this story of Florida and Michigan.
The Puerto Rico results are in.
Go ahead and read this Puerto Rico story.
Now, tell me what you think.
My thoughts are simply put. The entire Democratic Party Presidential Primary selection process for the past year is ONE BIG JOKE!!! It has been flawed from the start and has been mostly manipulated from the very start by the Fourth Estate - plain and simple.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Playing Politics With Ohio Education
Politics is all about getting power and exercising power.
Oftentimes, public education is the hot button topic for those persons seeking to obtain, retain and exercise political power. I have heard candidates for City Council, Mayor, County Commissioner, State Representative, Governor, Congress, and President, along with many others, speak of "reforming" or "improving" public education as part of their campaign platforms. BUT, most of those elective positions have absolutely no authority or "legitimate power" to do so.
Do the candidates for elective office and the incumbent elected officials think the American electorate are dumb enough to fall prey to their promises that they cannot possibly legitimately fulfill? OR, are they attempting to gather more political power than those positions are responsible and accountable under the law?
Playing politics with primary and secondary education (as well as higher education) is quite a common occurrence in Ohio, just as it is in other states.
The State of Ohio has a State Board of Education that has both elected and gubernatorial appointed members. At one time the Board of Education was an all-elected body, but the size of the Board and method of selecting its members was changed at least twice in the past decade or two by the Ohio General Assembly at the urging of a previous Ohio Governor or two.
The most recent example of playing politics with education in Ohio involves Governor Ted Strickland, the State Board of Education of Ohio, and the Ohio Superintendent of Public Instruction.
It seems Governor Ted Strickland wants to establish his own public policy of public education in Ohio and wants to appoint the individual responsible to implement and administer public education policy. Those are the functions of the State Board of Education of Ohio.
For more information on what's going on in that regards, please read the embedded links of the following:
Strickland's school plan criticized
Longtime leader of Ohio's public schools to resign
Ohio schools superintendent resigns
Governor gets wish on schools leader
Why, oh why, oh why, do 'we' have elected members on the State Board of Education if 'we' want the Governor to assume the role of those elected members? Frankly, I do not think the State Board of Education is doing a very good job, nor do I think the State Superintendent has been doing a great job. None-the-less, they are the persons who have the responsibility and the authority, not Governor Ted Strickland. I might even prefer Ted Strickland's ideas, I'm not sure, but it makes no difference to me because it is not within the Governor's legitimate authority.
If the Governor is to exercise power in the area of primary and secondary education in establishing and administering public policy, then the system needs to be changed legitimately by the appropriate means.
Oh, gee, that means the Ohio General Assembly may need to enact some legislation to allow the necessary changes. Well, let's forget it then. The Ohio STATE LEGISLATURE has been a TOTAL FAILURE in the whole area of public education for at least the past 25 years.
Oftentimes, public education is the hot button topic for those persons seeking to obtain, retain and exercise political power. I have heard candidates for City Council, Mayor, County Commissioner, State Representative, Governor, Congress, and President, along with many others, speak of "reforming" or "improving" public education as part of their campaign platforms. BUT, most of those elective positions have absolutely no authority or "legitimate power" to do so.
Do the candidates for elective office and the incumbent elected officials think the American electorate are dumb enough to fall prey to their promises that they cannot possibly legitimately fulfill? OR, are they attempting to gather more political power than those positions are responsible and accountable under the law?
Playing politics with primary and secondary education (as well as higher education) is quite a common occurrence in Ohio, just as it is in other states.
The State of Ohio has a State Board of Education that has both elected and gubernatorial appointed members. At one time the Board of Education was an all-elected body, but the size of the Board and method of selecting its members was changed at least twice in the past decade or two by the Ohio General Assembly at the urging of a previous Ohio Governor or two.
The most recent example of playing politics with education in Ohio involves Governor Ted Strickland, the State Board of Education of Ohio, and the Ohio Superintendent of Public Instruction.
It seems Governor Ted Strickland wants to establish his own public policy of public education in Ohio and wants to appoint the individual responsible to implement and administer public education policy. Those are the functions of the State Board of Education of Ohio.
For more information on what's going on in that regards, please read the embedded links of the following:
Strickland's school plan criticized
Longtime leader of Ohio's public schools to resign
Ohio schools superintendent resigns
Governor gets wish on schools leader
Why, oh why, oh why, do 'we' have elected members on the State Board of Education if 'we' want the Governor to assume the role of those elected members? Frankly, I do not think the State Board of Education is doing a very good job, nor do I think the State Superintendent has been doing a great job. None-the-less, they are the persons who have the responsibility and the authority, not Governor Ted Strickland. I might even prefer Ted Strickland's ideas, I'm not sure, but it makes no difference to me because it is not within the Governor's legitimate authority.
If the Governor is to exercise power in the area of primary and secondary education in establishing and administering public policy, then the system needs to be changed legitimately by the appropriate means.
Oh, gee, that means the Ohio General Assembly may need to enact some legislation to allow the necessary changes. Well, let's forget it then. The Ohio STATE LEGISLATURE has been a TOTAL FAILURE in the whole area of public education for at least the past 25 years.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Elect The Best For Ohio State Representative AND Get The Job Dunn Right!
If you have not heard, you certainly need to hear, especially if you live in the western Lucas County area of Ohio. The immediate past elected State Representative in Ohio House of Representatives District 46 resigned that position prior to the completion of the term. Then, the Republican Party appointed a replacement for the remainder of the unexpired term.
Come this November, there will be an election for the new full two-year term that pits the appointee against a very qualified contender for Ohio State Representative.
Look at this Dunn website.
Read more over at Ohio Daily Blog and over at Glass City Jungle.
Voters need to get this election Dunn right and elect the best qualified woman for the job!
Do it right, so we can say it was Dunn right.
Yes, Darlene.
Come this November, there will be an election for the new full two-year term that pits the appointee against a very qualified contender for Ohio State Representative.
Look at this Dunn website.
Read more over at Ohio Daily Blog and over at Glass City Jungle.
Voters need to get this election Dunn right and elect the best qualified woman for the job!
Do it right, so we can say it was Dunn right.
Yes, Darlene.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
The King and Tomatoes
Say what? What king? Burger King.
Having read a small three-sentence, two-paragraph article buried deep within the daily newspaper on the Business page at the very bottom of the "In Brief" column, I became interested in the topic of Burger King paying 1.5 cents more per pound for tomatoes from Florida. Of that amount, one penny will be passed on to the tomato pickers and allegedly double their earnings according to the newspaper article I read.
An internet search resulted in many hits, among which were:
The Canadian Press: Fast food chain Burger King, farm worker group agree on wage deal
MSN: Burger King, farmworker group agree on wage deal
Stockhouse: Burger King to pay Florida tomato pickers more
The Palm Beach Post: Burger King signs deal with tomato workers
If you clicked onto the embedded links and have read the articles, I hope you caught the part about this issue being political with the involvement of U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) who seemingly worked tirelessly on the issue.
I am all in favor of decent wages, prevailing wages, living wages and the like. My question in regard to the fast food industry and the area of condiments is: What about mustard seed pickers, onion pickers, and cucumber (turned into pickle relish) pickers?
Let's make sure that all American workers are paid decent wages. That is REAL economic development. After all, the marketplace needs to have customers who have the money to purchase the goods, services, and products in the marketplace. And, the government needs to have citizens who contribute sufficiently into the tax coffers.
And while I'm on that kick, what about all the workers in the service industry whose income depends in large part on tips? How much do they really earn? Isn't it about time that we get rid of the hidden costs of services to consumers and the "welfare" supplement to employers?
I say do away with tips, make the employer pay a decent wage to the employee, and pass the cost along to the customer and consumer just as is done in the sale of material goods.
So, there! Put that in your pipe and smoke it!
Come on, Congress, get off your duffs. Use the Interstate Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution to get involved in this!
Having read a small three-sentence, two-paragraph article buried deep within the daily newspaper on the Business page at the very bottom of the "In Brief" column, I became interested in the topic of Burger King paying 1.5 cents more per pound for tomatoes from Florida. Of that amount, one penny will be passed on to the tomato pickers and allegedly double their earnings according to the newspaper article I read.
An internet search resulted in many hits, among which were:
The Canadian Press: Fast food chain Burger King, farm worker group agree on wage deal
MSN: Burger King, farmworker group agree on wage deal
Stockhouse: Burger King to pay Florida tomato pickers more
The Palm Beach Post: Burger King signs deal with tomato workers
If you clicked onto the embedded links and have read the articles, I hope you caught the part about this issue being political with the involvement of U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) who seemingly worked tirelessly on the issue.
I am all in favor of decent wages, prevailing wages, living wages and the like. My question in regard to the fast food industry and the area of condiments is: What about mustard seed pickers, onion pickers, and cucumber (turned into pickle relish) pickers?
Let's make sure that all American workers are paid decent wages. That is REAL economic development. After all, the marketplace needs to have customers who have the money to purchase the goods, services, and products in the marketplace. And, the government needs to have citizens who contribute sufficiently into the tax coffers.
And while I'm on that kick, what about all the workers in the service industry whose income depends in large part on tips? How much do they really earn? Isn't it about time that we get rid of the hidden costs of services to consumers and the "welfare" supplement to employers?
I say do away with tips, make the employer pay a decent wage to the employee, and pass the cost along to the customer and consumer just as is done in the sale of material goods.
So, there! Put that in your pipe and smoke it!
Come on, Congress, get off your duffs. Use the Interstate Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution to get involved in this!
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