As 2012 GOP candidates (officially unannounced) are put under a microscope by those in the media waiting for a confirmation of “will they or won’t they” throw their “hat” into the 2012 Presidential contest ring, at least three are making national headlines, and in key preliminary states, local headlines, in the hopes of drawing a conclusion that all or one of the top three (Romney, Huckabee, Palin) will make an announcement sooner than later.
Romney, who is polling in the top three at Public Policy Polling was recently praised by Massachusetts Govenor Deval Patrick for initiating mandated health care in Massachustts. (Boston Herald) Although Romney’s original vision for health care coverage in the Bay State somehow morphed into a billion dollar state deficit fiasco which was exported nationwide - this was after Romney had left office to pursue the 2008 Presidential nomination. What is interesting is that Patrick, who was headed to Washington to sing the praises of the program (which may be why he invoked the name of Romney considering the new makeup of the House and Senate), will have a hard sell, given the fact that the state went mandate crazy, the plan borrows from the Fed, and the costs of insurance premiums (private pay) have had two consecutive years of increases, some over 11% per year. Some political analysts (beltway) believe that “Romney Care”, will be the deterrent to the former Massachustts Govenor gaining the nomination. (Note: Romney has yet to declare)
Mike Huckabee is on his pre-presidential announcement book tour, from the Dubuque, Iowa Herald ” To shouts of "Mike in 2012!" former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee graciously acknowledged hundreds of energetic supporters Sunday in Dubuque”……. "I'd definitely like him to run because he listens to people and understands the importance of having both social and fiscal conservatism," said Donna Teubert of South Beloit, Ill.
To her and the crowd of loyal fans who came from Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin to see him, Huckabee said, "I'm telling (supporters who ask) that I'm seriously considering running. I'm watching the response to my book, which lays it all out so people will know what I stand for."
Huckabee, kicked off his campaign in 2008 after a book tour that took him into similar primary territory. Perhaps of more interest, on his Fox Sunday Show, Huckabee’s guests included both an African American clergy and a Hispanic Evangelic and their take of the Defense of Marriage Act. Huckabee, it should be noted, was listening intently to every word – what was especially interesting was the common ground found between the three. Although acting as a host and commentator, this arena allows Huckabee access to, what amounts to political intelligence for the 2012 general?
Sarah Palin, who is heading to India drew this headline from the New York Sun: “Palin Will Draw a Contrast With Obama in Her Visit Next Month to India”, which is refreshing considering the majority of the press is either focused on which shoes she’s wearing or her comments on breast milk and Michelle Obama. What is interesting in this particular instance is that when Palin makes an obvious inroad into the 2012 territory (see her trip to the Long Island Business Association in February), and receives half-hearted positive press from the New York Times, no less, the next three weeks are dedicated to leopard shoes in an attempt to marginalize her credentials.
One has to hand it to those millions of journalist who apparently have to go to the feminist side of any given candidate to be able to find criticism significant enough to call it “newsworthy”. From Hillary Clinton’s Hairclip to Palin’s Leopard Shoes, one has to wonder: What fashion faux pax might President Obama, (goes to Clinton), Huckabee and or Romney make, in the news press ongoing interest in fashion and politics. Would not these journalists fare better in say Vogue rather than in the local daily news?
Suffice it to say, the three at the top of the “anticipated” GOP Presidential nominee food chain, are moving in the direction of a decision at some point in the near future. In the meantime, the speculation and attacks will continue, until the actual announcement are made, and then, one can anticipate that, in the face of dismal poll numbers for the President, they will increase 100 fold, or one will rise above the others and be treated more “fairly,” should the writing on the wall be so obvious to all, that those who report, to sway you to decide, might pick the one candidate “they can live with” (actual quote from actual liberal). Money right now is on Mike Huckabee.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Massachusetts Conservative Talk Radio - The Wesley & Westen Review, WRCN AM - Worcester, MA, - February 26, 2009
Tom Wesley and John Weston at WRCNAM 830 AM have a lively conservative talk format, which streams live from WCRN AM – Worcester, MA on Saturday mornings beginning at 6 AM, EST. Tom Wesley, a veteran and businessman, ran for the MA2 Congressional District seat against incumbent Richard Neal in the 2010 mid-terms. A candidate Q&A which can be found here gives insight into the man and his strength as a candidate.
Although Richard Neal was returned to Congress, Wesley ran a outstanding race against a entrenched 16 term Democrat - Wesley, on a limited budget, belied the projections of the New York Times, who projected Wesley would receive 25% of the vote in the district. Wesley, not unlike the 8 other challengers to the Massachusetts Democrat Congressional Caucus forced these members of the U.S. Congress to campaign hard, and garnered over 40% of the vote in this heated Mid-Term election. (NYTimes) Although one might pooh-pooh this type of margin as insignificant, it is the fact that those Congressman who had enviable cash on hand, were forced to defend their own districts, many for the first time in decades, if at all. These Massachusetts candidates, who proved there is more than a half-hearted conservative awaking in in Bay State, played no small part in the stunning defeat of incumbent Democrats nationwide, by pulling this much needed Democrat campaign cash into the Bay State and away from others. A note: The momentum from 2010 has not abated.
This author was asked to be a guest on the Wesley and Weston Review this past Saturday, topics ranged from the tone of the media, to the 2012 outlook, a link to the weekly broadcasts, with a commentary from Tom Wesley, can be found here at Tom Wesley.com It is a fast-paced, engaging show, well worth tuning in on Saturday mornings.
Although Richard Neal was returned to Congress, Wesley ran a outstanding race against a entrenched 16 term Democrat - Wesley, on a limited budget, belied the projections of the New York Times, who projected Wesley would receive 25% of the vote in the district. Wesley, not unlike the 8 other challengers to the Massachusetts Democrat Congressional Caucus forced these members of the U.S. Congress to campaign hard, and garnered over 40% of the vote in this heated Mid-Term election. (NYTimes) Although one might pooh-pooh this type of margin as insignificant, it is the fact that those Congressman who had enviable cash on hand, were forced to defend their own districts, many for the first time in decades, if at all. These Massachusetts candidates, who proved there is more than a half-hearted conservative awaking in in Bay State, played no small part in the stunning defeat of incumbent Democrats nationwide, by pulling this much needed Democrat campaign cash into the Bay State and away from others. A note: The momentum from 2010 has not abated.
This author was asked to be a guest on the Wesley and Weston Review this past Saturday, topics ranged from the tone of the media, to the 2012 outlook, a link to the weekly broadcasts, with a commentary from Tom Wesley, can be found here at Tom Wesley.com It is a fast-paced, engaging show, well worth tuning in on Saturday mornings.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Public Employee Union Protests Spread beyond Wisconsin – General Public Views Disdain for Union Antics - Analysis
As the brouhaha in Wisconsin, caused by Public Employees unions, aided by union activists from across the nation,has spread to other states, public opinion polls on these protests show that the Unions may be taking the wrong tactic to gain sympathy.
As the media reports on the birth of Public Employee unions in Wisconsin, they also point out that there are states that have right to work laws. The states with Right to Work laws, do not offer the unions a foothold into every facet of the workforce. These states include: : Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Caroline, North Carolina and Virginia (source NRTW.org).
When one evaluates states that are “Right to Work” (i.e. no forced unions), one finds that, for the most part, those states have somewhat lower unemployment rates than their unionized counterparts: (Source: Economic Policy Institute)
The fact that employers are more prone to set up shop in states where unions do not have the upper hand, lends to an exodus of those job seekers from states that have forced unionization. Interestingly, in reviewing the 2010 census - those states that lost population and congressional clout, are not “right to work" states. (See Map here at Washington Post.com
The public perception of unions has dropped significantly given the recent events in Madison, with approval for public unions at historically low levels (Exellent treatment via TPMDC), and even progressives realize that a “Greece Like” scenario played out in the United States may not endear unions, of any sort, be it public or otherwise (Article Madison.com, “Could a General Strike Happen here”?)
Historically, union strikes and demonstrations during the 1930’s were aptly dubbed the “red menace”, and resulted in riots, and attacks on all unions, including non-government unions. The public opinion at the time was negative to say the least, and in order to rein in spending, President Roosevelt was prompted to announce wage cuts to unions, which “(aroused) unions' anxiety” Roosevelt, not unlike Walker in Wisconsin, stuck to his principles.
What the American people, in general understand, is with the rise of the unions, came the loss of competitive industry on a global scale, well as the loss of employment opportunities in a variety of industries - they are gone forever, under high union wage and benefit demands and a U.S. interest rates that does little to nothing to entice employers to set up shop in the United States. There are, of course, a place for unions in the American society, for those who face dangers in the workplace, firefighters, police, and meat packers, (among others) who’s livelihood puts life and limb at risk. That said, there are those such as “Government employees” whose sole risk is a hangnail - the public gets this difference. As the SEIU and other powerful unions shout for more benefits, wage increases, and the ability to force teachers, and others who may not face danger, into unions, it is, perhaps for the first time since the 1930, making headlines in living rooms across the nation.
As the signs and shouts of the protestors grow increasingly against one Particular Party (i.e. Republican), it becomes increasingly clear to those watching the evening news at 6:00, that the Democrats support these unions. In this way, the Unions who are at current low public opinion, and the Democrats, become branded together – note: Democrat lawmakers’ antics of fleeing states for their unions are well documented as well.
This pandemonium is not about workers rights at all, rather about how much money the unions can fleece from the workers and hand to the Democrat lawmakers who will grant them concession. Union organizers (paid consultants to unions, or professional rabble rousers) have an average salary of of $60,000 annually. The bosses are in the six figure range, while teachers in Madison Wisconsin (ground Zero so to speak), average $100,000 annual salaries. The unions and teacheres in Madison did agree to minimal increases in contributions to both medial and pension fund suggested by Govenor Walker, however the unions are loath to give up a portion of their collective bargaining power, which would allow these teachers to opt out of the union forced medical plan and join the state workers medical plan instead. In addition, there is that sticking point whereby Teachers would be able to opt out of joining the union entirely, which has set these protests in motion – it’s about the money – the union money.
How do those teachers competantacy factor fare nationally? In a recent release of reading scores nationwide, approximaltey 40% of Wisconsin 8th graders are proficient in English (NCES.ed.gov), which leads one to believe that the Govenor may be onto something, and why he has the support of over 70% of the Wisconsin populace.
As goes Wisconsin, Ohio, and Indiana, so will go the public opinion across the nation. The Unions, in their greed, (it’s for the children) have managed to brand themselves to the Democrats, just in time for the 2012 elections and should this display of “Greece-Like” public union street revolts, not abate soon, those images will be emblazed upon the minds of voters as they head to the polls in 2012, making 2010 look like an average year in comparison.
As the media reports on the birth of Public Employee unions in Wisconsin, they also point out that there are states that have right to work laws. The states with Right to Work laws, do not offer the unions a foothold into every facet of the workforce. These states include: : Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Caroline, North Carolina and Virginia (source NRTW.org).
When one evaluates states that are “Right to Work” (i.e. no forced unions), one finds that, for the most part, those states have somewhat lower unemployment rates than their unionized counterparts: (Source: Economic Policy Institute)
The fact that employers are more prone to set up shop in states where unions do not have the upper hand, lends to an exodus of those job seekers from states that have forced unionization. Interestingly, in reviewing the 2010 census - those states that lost population and congressional clout, are not “right to work" states. (See Map here at Washington Post.com
The public perception of unions has dropped significantly given the recent events in Madison, with approval for public unions at historically low levels (Exellent treatment via TPMDC), and even progressives realize that a “Greece Like” scenario played out in the United States may not endear unions, of any sort, be it public or otherwise (Article Madison.com, “Could a General Strike Happen here”?)
Historically, union strikes and demonstrations during the 1930’s were aptly dubbed the “red menace”, and resulted in riots, and attacks on all unions, including non-government unions. The public opinion at the time was negative to say the least, and in order to rein in spending, President Roosevelt was prompted to announce wage cuts to unions, which “(aroused) unions' anxiety” Roosevelt, not unlike Walker in Wisconsin, stuck to his principles.
What the American people, in general understand, is with the rise of the unions, came the loss of competitive industry on a global scale, well as the loss of employment opportunities in a variety of industries - they are gone forever, under high union wage and benefit demands and a U.S. interest rates that does little to nothing to entice employers to set up shop in the United States. There are, of course, a place for unions in the American society, for those who face dangers in the workplace, firefighters, police, and meat packers, (among others) who’s livelihood puts life and limb at risk. That said, there are those such as “Government employees” whose sole risk is a hangnail - the public gets this difference. As the SEIU and other powerful unions shout for more benefits, wage increases, and the ability to force teachers, and others who may not face danger, into unions, it is, perhaps for the first time since the 1930, making headlines in living rooms across the nation.
As the signs and shouts of the protestors grow increasingly against one Particular Party (i.e. Republican), it becomes increasingly clear to those watching the evening news at 6:00, that the Democrats support these unions. In this way, the Unions who are at current low public opinion, and the Democrats, become branded together – note: Democrat lawmakers’ antics of fleeing states for their unions are well documented as well.
This pandemonium is not about workers rights at all, rather about how much money the unions can fleece from the workers and hand to the Democrat lawmakers who will grant them concession. Union organizers (paid consultants to unions, or professional rabble rousers) have an average salary of of $60,000 annually. The bosses are in the six figure range, while teachers in Madison Wisconsin (ground Zero so to speak), average $100,000 annual salaries. The unions and teacheres in Madison did agree to minimal increases in contributions to both medial and pension fund suggested by Govenor Walker, however the unions are loath to give up a portion of their collective bargaining power, which would allow these teachers to opt out of the union forced medical plan and join the state workers medical plan instead. In addition, there is that sticking point whereby Teachers would be able to opt out of joining the union entirely, which has set these protests in motion – it’s about the money – the union money.
How do those teachers competantacy factor fare nationally? In a recent release of reading scores nationwide, approximaltey 40% of Wisconsin 8th graders are proficient in English (NCES.ed.gov), which leads one to believe that the Govenor may be onto something, and why he has the support of over 70% of the Wisconsin populace.
As goes Wisconsin, Ohio, and Indiana, so will go the public opinion across the nation. The Unions, in their greed, (it’s for the children) have managed to brand themselves to the Democrats, just in time for the 2012 elections and should this display of “Greece-Like” public union street revolts, not abate soon, those images will be emblazed upon the minds of voters as they head to the polls in 2012, making 2010 look like an average year in comparison.
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