Bredesen Speaks Against TaBOR

Well, looks like we have a definite idea of where Bredesen stands when it comes to the Tennessee taxpayer (although, this has been hinted at before).

Today comes a story from KnoxNews.com (registration required), and I don't like what I'm hearing.

I'm posting the story in its entirety for all to read (click on "There's More" below to read the rest):

By TOM HUMPHREY, tomhumphrey3@aol.com
January 28, 2005

NASHVILLE- Gov. Phil Bredesen said he is adamantly against putting a proposed "taxpayer bill of rights" into the state constitution, but he will not actively oppose an amendment to forbid gay marriage.

Questioned during an interview about proposed state constitutional amendments, the governor said he thinks popular election of the state comptroller, treasurer and secretary of state is a bad idea but is less strongly opposed to permanently banning a state income tax.

The "taxpayer bill of rights," also known by the acronym TABOR, is modeled after a provision in the Colorado Constitution. Bredesen said it is "a disaster" in that state today after "some short-term success" in prior years.

"I think the taxpayer bill of rights is a bad thing that goes to the heart of my ability to operate government day-to-day as opposed to some of the other things that are out there," he said.

Sponsored by Rep. Glen Casada and Sen. Jim Bryson, both Franklin Republicans, TABOR has also been declared a top legislative priority this year by the National Federation of Independent Business.

Casada said the proposal would limit growth in state government spending to the same annual percentage as growth in personal income of citizens and provide that any excess be first placed in a "rainy day fund" savings account. Once the account reaches 5 percent of the state budget, any further excess would go back to taxpayers in the form of tax cuts, he said.

Further, any tax increase adopted by the Legislature would require approval of voters in a statewide referendum before taking effect.

"I think it's a highly ideological bill," said Bredesen.

"That's what legislatures are for - determining how money is to be spent and responding to conditions each year," he said. "I don't think any legislature ought to abdicate that responsibility out to some fixed formula in the constitution."

Canada said the amendment is needed to "reign in state government spending" that has grown by an average of 7.6 percent over the past 10 years. The state constitution currently sets a goal of limiting growth in state spending, but that can be - and often is - bypassed by a simple majority vote of the Legislature. Tabor's cap would be mandatory.

Canada said passage of the proposal "is going to be tough." While most supporters so far are Republicans, he said "you are going to see a lot of conservative Democrats join us on this."

He also characterized as "very false" that TABOR has been a disaster in Colorado, saying that state is "number 1, 2 or 3 in wealth creation, job creation and growth of the state's economy."

"Yes, state government programs are not growing like the bureaucrats want them to grow (in Colorado). But to me that's OK as well," he said.

The constitutional amendment to forbid gay marriage, sponsored by Rep. Bill Dunn, R-Knoxville, won initial approval in the last legislative session. If approved again this session by a two-thirds majority, it will go before voters in a statewide referendum in November 2006.

The governor said he believes the constitutional amendment unnecessary since state law already prohibits same-sex weddings, but "I won't actively urge defeat" of the proposal.

He said gay marriage is "a vastly different issue from tolerance for gays.

"I certainly have said frequently over the years that I would happily promote hire or discharge of people in state government without regard to sexual orientation or anything like that," he said. "But it seems to me that's a long way from putting official imprimatur of the state on a union where, you know, there's many thousands of years of history to the contrary. It strikes me as unnecessary and contrary to the values of most Americans."

As with TABOR, other pending state constitutional amendments would need approval of both the current legislative session and the following session before they could be put to a statewide vote.

One proposal defeated in past years but with renewed interest in 2005 calls for an amendment requiring popular election of the state's constitutional officers, who are now elected by vote of the House and Senate. Sen. Rosalind Kurita, D-Clarksville, is pushing the idea along with several Republicans.

Bredesen said he does not like the idea.

"First of all, what problem are you trying to solve? We already have excellent constitutional officers," he said, saying the positions - especially comptroller - are "very technically skilled jobs" where those in office have demonstrated "a good ability to promote people up through the ranks and get people who are very knowledgeable."

As for a proposal to insert a flat ban on a state income tax into the constitution, the governor said, "I feel less strongly about that (because) I don't happen to be for an income tax."

"I know it's a Republican issue, but the only income tax I know of in the last 10 years has come from a Republican governor," he said. "I think they ought to get their own house in order before they start changing the constitution."

Casada, who is also sponsoring the amendment on an income tax, said he expects bipartisan support for the proposal. He said a recommendation for enactment of a state income tax by the Tennessee Tax Structure Study Commission shows that many people, unlike him, believe the state constitution would permit an income tax and an amendment is needed to assure that is impossible.

(ht: No Silence Here - KnoxNews.com)

Update: Bill Hobbs "hobbles" Bredesen's claims that Colorado's TaBOR is a disaster.

Role Models?

Whatever happened to the days when elected leaders could be role models to the citizens that elected them? Well, ok...maybe that day never existed in the first place, but it still never ceases to amaze me when this kind of thing happens:

Memphis Mayor W. W. Herenton called a news conference Thursday at his attorney's office to announce what he calls "a very personal matter": that he fathered a baby that was born four months ago.

Mayor Willie W. Herenton's Official Statement

Today, I am disclosing a matter in my personal live. I recently learned that I am the father of a child by an individual who I had a relationship with. I am looking forward to assuming the privileges and responsibility of parenting.

While this matter involves my private life and not my public life, I wanted to disclose it. I respectfully request that the media respect the privacy of all individuals involved.

I will make no further statements on this personal issue. Any questions regarding this matter should be referred to my attorney Mitchell Moskovitz.

After making that statement Thursday, Mayor Herenton said this development in his private life will not impact his ability to perform in the public sector. "As the Mayor, I am fully cognizant in addressing the challenges that confront this city," said Herenton.

That sound vaguely familiar.

Mayor Williams

Very shocking news out of middle Tennessee this evening. I just learned that Spring Hill Mayor Ray Williams passed away this evening from a massive heart attack.

For those of you unfamiliar with Mayor Williams, he had been a huge proponent of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. He actually implemented TaBOR in Spring Hill and with that helped make Spring Hill one of the fastest growing towns in Tennessee. Because of him, Spring Hill became a model of how well TaBOR can work for both the taxpayers and the economy.

As an ally on bringing about true tax reform within this state, he will be sorely missed.

Keep his family in your prayers.

Update: Bill Hobbs has more.

Mr. Carson

I had pondered what to write today regarding the passing of Johnny Carson on Sunday. The news reached me while sitting in a restaurant after church. I was sitting under the TV (with CNN on), and I noticed the shock on people's faces as they were looking at the TV above me seeing for the first time that Mr. Carson had passed away. Just seeing those reactions, you knew that he was loved by everyone. Whether young or old, everyone's reaction was the same...shock and disbelief.

I really can't add more to that, but I do suggest you head over to Thursday Night Fever and read one Tennessean's personal story on how he came to meet and know Mr. Carson.

Even though he hadn't been in the public eye for the past decade, he will be missed.

NFL Playoffs

As predicted last week, the Patriots and the Eagles will meet in the Super Bowl in two weeks. (My apologies to Mary...I would have liked to have seen the Steelers there too, but the predictions can be brutal sometimes).

So, my Super Bowl pick? New England by 14 (much to the chagrin of Big Orange Michael, I'm sure)

By the way...does anyone think that it's odd that since we've been at war, the Patriots have consistently been good? Who out there thinks that it's a plot conceived by Karl Rove to keep them winning while at war? (a la the "Cancer Man" from X-Files keeping the Buffalo Bills from ever winning a Super Bowl) Oh, and it gets even more interesting when you factor in the fact that Tom Brady is a Republican. Just some food for thought for you liberal conspiracy theorists out there. Yes, indeed.

SF Considers Gun Ban

San Francisco is apparently wanting to become a city with one of America's highest crime rates:

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors has proposed a sweeping ban on handguns to try to stop an increase in homicides. By doing so, the traditionally liberal city has injected itself into the national debate over gun control.

The proposal would bar residents from keeping handguns in their homes or businesses and prohibit the sale, manufacture and distribution of any firearms or ammunition in San Francisco.

Washington and Chicago are the only other major U-S cities with handgun bans. Both faced quick court challenges. The national gun lobby already has vowed to challenge San Francisco's ban if voters approve it.

I say go ahead and let them do it. If they want higher crime, let them learn. However, on the other hand, DC and Chicago hasn't learned yet either. The gun bans didn't work, so now they are going to cameras.

One thing only leads to another which leads to another which leads to big brother (who said anything about a Constitution?).

Have fun with that.

Colonel Blake

Today I received a wonderful surprise. I have been honored with a commission by the Commonwealth of Kentucky as a Kentucky Colonel.

Thank you to Col. Joe Donnelly for honoring me with his recommendation.

Now, I wonder if I can have this put on my business card.

Oh, and yes, it would be appropriate for everyone to greet me as Colonel Wylie from now on (or just Colonel). heh

For more information on the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, visit http://www.kycolonels.org.

Small but Tough

I'm not sure if this is a hoax advertisement or not, but this has to be the advertisement of the month.

I wonder if any islamic groups would be offended? Probably. That's why I think it's a hoax. It's well made though...I'll give it that. Can anyone confirm?

(hat tip: Straight White Guy)

Police Survey

Now this is interesting:

The National Association of Chiefs of Police released its 17th Annual Survey of Police Chiefs and Sheriffs and some of the survey findings are surprising and compelling. The survey -- released in the January 2005 issue of Police Times Magazine -- had some surprising results on various topics including terrorism, gun control, homeland security, and drug enforcement.

................

Gun Control: With regard to private citizens owning firearms for sport or self-defense, 93.6 percent of the respondents supported civilian gun-ownership rights. Ninety-six percent of the police chiefs and sheriffs believe criminals obtain firearms from illegal sources and 92.2 percent revealed they hadn't arrested anyone for violation of the so-called "waiting period" laws. When asked if citizens concealed-weapons permits would reduce violent crime, 63.1 percent said yes.

The only other question that had such a high percentage of agreement was whether they thought the media was biased in their reporting. Now why is it that only the cops that think taking all the guns away get the most media coverage?

Barrett

The battle continues over the .50 caliber rifle, and right in the middle is a fellow Tennessean, Ronnie Barrett. You gotta love this guy.

Barrett, 50, acknowledges that the average civilian doesn't need the weapon.

"You don't need a five-bedroom home," he said. "You don't need Corvettes, breast implants or fishing clubs. Not all guns are hunting guns. This is a toy."

heh...I'm sure that makes the gun banners' blood boil, and I love it.
If I had a few grand to spare, I'd definitely buy one (if only just to tick off a liberal).

Barrett says the attacks on his rifles are part of a struggle between good and evil.

"When you have governments disarming citizens, you have catastrophe on your hands," he said.

Precisely!

BarrettRifles.com

Fashion Advice from a Dame

Continuing on my earlier topic of fashion, Miss O'Hara provides her input...for women. Talk about a classy dame.

Mission to Moldova

Can I take a minute to brag about my church?

Last week in the Tennessean there was an article about some of our church's missions to Moldova (Rolling Hills Community Church in Franklin). This mission is headed up by one of the most kindest, self-sacrificing people I know...Gretchen Swift. Talk about someone who knows what missions are about...she knows:

For the last two years, Gretchen Swift, a 31-year-old federal attorney, has spent her free time in the small republic of Moldova, the poorest nation in Europe and a neighbor to Romania.

The 24-hour haul toward the east is a mission of love to work with hundreds of orphans who delight in the simplest of gifts: a pair of black socks, warm hats, bright crayons, even a gentle hold of the hand.

It's all awe-inspiring to Swift, who has come to love these children more than she ever dreamed possible. And, the one who has come with aid has gotten a lot back, too.

''It is amazing when you are with people who seemingly need so much but have so much to give, too,'' Swift said. ''It helps me understand God more and it helps me understand the world.''

Swift is a member of the Rolling Hills Community Church, a 2-year-old congregation that meets in a Brentwood cinema. The church has taken on the plight of the orphans, the majority of whom end up in jail or as prostitutes once they reach legal age and leave the compounds that have housed them.

Listen...you need to read the entire article because what I've pasted above doesn't scratch the tip of this story.

I just have to say that going to church isn't just about going to feel good about yourself or hanging out with friends or building altars to God...it's a lot more than that. Yes...you have to focus on growing yourself spiritually, but at the same time, you need to focus outward and help those in need.

It's my belief that a big part of a church's mission to seek out and help the poor, the downtrodden, the orphans and the widows. It doesn't matter if it's around the world or even down the street. It's a big part of a church's mission that many churches miss out on...and sometimes downright ignore. Perhaps they think that it should be the government's job? Guess what...it's not! (Yes...I've written about this before).

Every year our church sends a large group of people over to Moldova to serve in the same places that the Tennessean article talks about. I've been considering doing it this year. If things work out, I will.
-------

Update - Monday, July 11, 2005:

For those who are looking for the Moldova blog, you can find that here: http://rollinghills-moldova.blogspot.com/

Roy Moore for Governor?

Will Judge Roy Moore (of Alabama and the Ten Commandments fame) run for governor of the state of Alabama? It looks like Judge Moore would beat current Republican governor Bob Riley for the GOP nomination if the election were held today according to this article:

A new poll shows Roy Moore with a lead over Gov. Bob Riley in the race for the 2006 Republican gubernatorial nomination, a potential boost for the former chief justice should he decide to run for the office.

A Mobile Register-University of South Alabama poll of likely Republican primary voters shows Moore with a lead of 8 percentage points over Riley in a hypothetical primary matchup. Moore drew support from 43 percent of respondents, while the governor garnered 35 percent.
...
Riley has not said whether he will seek a second term, telling reporters recently that he still enjoys the job and has work left to do. Riley spokesman Jeff Emerson declined comment on the poll results.

Moore said Friday he is weighing his options for 2006. In December, he said for the first time publicly that he was thinking about running for governor.

Interesting.

BlogRoll

Adding a couple of other blogs to the blog roll that you might want to check out.

A good Nashville blog I didn't know existed until today: Nashville Truth

And another Nashville blog (run by some bum), the Pangalactic Blogger Blaster. Actually, I probably should have added Nate a while back. But he's still a bum. Oh, and if you happen to run into Nate...be sure you're in your car. lol

A few other blogs have been cleansed from the blogroll.

Edit: And yet another quality Nashville blog: Baggage...and Blathering. I need a separate column in my blogroll now just for the Nashville blogs. I also added Neil Orne from Channel 2 in Nashville.

The Scene's New Blog Unveiled

It's official. The Nashville Scene is back in the blogging game.

Check it out: Pith in the Wind

BloggerCon

As expected (and hoped for)...BloggerCon is coming to Nashville.

Keep an eye on BlogNashville.org for details.

Jury gone wild

Is this what it means to have a jury of your peers?

Pure hilarity.

The Death of Metrosexuality

...and I'm killing it.

Yesterday, Pink Kitty wrote asking the question of why is it when a guy dresses up that he's labeled a metrosexual.

Where did we go wrong? In a world where dressing up means putting on the jeans that don't have the ketchup stain, putting on a suit signifies something is wrong with a man or he's on his way to a job interview.

One of the reasons is that we are just a more casual society. It is unusual to see anyone dressed up. They garner attention. And when you don't follow a norm, you must be labled retro or metrosexual.

I had been rolling around the idea of writing about dressing up, and her post has brought about me writing it sooner rather than later. Hence, in an effort to teach the throngs of men out there, I will put together a quick and dirty guide to dressing up without being a metrosexual. A set of rules, if you will.

Typically, my every day dress is casual. Some non-blue jean pants (I don't own any blue jeans) with a nice collared shirt of some type. I typically go untucked for obvious reasons.

However, this isn't about every day dress. This is about dressing nice. The first question I would ask is, do you want to be a bum? If so, dress like one. If you want to have class, then dress like you've got class.

It's become a recent thing for a couple of friends and myself to dress up when we go out for the weekend (we end up looking like the Rat Pack). Most of the time it's a suit...other times it's a tuxedo. This past weekend, we wore suits. We first stopped at a little party at a private home and then went to a couple of other places around town. When you walk into a party with a suit on (when no one else is wearing one), the looks you get are great. The first question is normally, "where have you guys been?" It seems that most people can't comprehend in our modern age that you can dress up without actually having to "go somewhere important."

There are several rules I hold for the suit. Essentially, you go for class by being conservative:

-Wear black or grey at night ...never brown (dark navy is permissible at night).
-Two button or three button. Never button the bottom button. Button the top button(s) when you're standing, and unbutton when you sit down. Four or more buttons are for pimps and winos (or professional sports figures).
-Notched lapel (if you don't know the difference between lapels, go google it).
-Conservative tie. Go for a complementary solid color or a subdued, conservative pattern. I'll shoot you if I see you wearing a looney toons tie, bum.
-I'll also shoot you if you wear a clip-on tie. Learn to tie it...preferably in a Windsor knot (again, google it if you don't know).
-White shirt...French cuffs with cufflinks. Make sure the cuffs extend down just beyond the cuff of your jacket. If they don't, get a tailor.
-If you have to wear a button down collar shirt, button them. Never leave them unbuttoned. Better yet...don't wear a button down collar.
-No vest.
-Black shoes for black and grey suits. It is now actually permissible to wear black shoes with dark navy (but I still wouldn't do it). I'd go dark brown or burgundy with dark navy. Brown shades for brown suits (you'd better be wearing it during daylight hours, bum).
-Make sure the belt matches with the shoes. If you're wearing suspenders, don't go around without your jacket off unless you're a banker.
-Socks should match colors with the suit...but never a lighter shade. Subdued patterns are permissible.
-Pocket square is optional. Stick with white if you don't know what you're doing.

Now, on to the tuxedo. The tuxedo is the ultimate pinnacle in a man's choice of clothing. When you go out on the town in a tuxedo, it's almost like a bullet-proof vest. You can do anything, go anywhere, and talk to anyone (women). You go into a room wearing a tux, and everyone notices. Tuxes remind men of James Bond or Frank Sinatra (respect) and women of weddings (swooning).

Just like the suit, there are rules. They are slightly more rigid, and creativity is highly frowned upon. Again...do you want to be a bum, or have some class?

-One color: black. See rules for white below.
-Own your own. It's cheaper than renting over the long haul.
-No tails. You aren't going to a formal ball in a royal palace.
-Never wear a tux on Sunday (unless Saturday night turns into early Sunday morning).
-If an invitation says "black tie optional"...go black tie.
-Buy a real bow tie and learn how to tie it (google it, baby).
-A straight tie goes with a suit. A bow tie goes with a tux.
-White shirt only. Pleated or plain is ok (ruffles luckily died years ago...unless you're a pirate).
-French cuffs are mandatory. The cuffs must come down a half inch to an inch below the jacket cuff.
-Never wear a collarless shirt. Again...pimps, winos, and professional athletes.
-A turn down collar is better than the wing-tip. Trust me.
-Notched lapel, but a shawl lapel is nice too. Peaked is out...way out.
-Single button or two button is best. Single button is what I wear. The same rule for the number of suit buttons and for the collarless shirt also applies to tux buttons.
-Only wear a white jacket in the tropics...or if it's sweltering hot....and only during the day. Wear only black pants with the white jacket.
-Solid black socks and black shoes only.
-Your pant legs should break right above the shoe.
-No cummerbund. Vests only if you can't notice them too much with the jacket on.
-Keep the jacket on, bum.
-Pocket square can be white or red.

*Note: I'm sure I left some things out. If you have any questions, feel free to ask and I'll get those answers up as well.

The main point of writing this is that you don't have to go out dressed up in fear of being labeled a metrosexual. When a guy dresses up (properly and following the above rules), he's got class and stands out above the slackers who go out looking like trash. If you dress up and stand out from the crowd...well...it sucks to be everyone else.

This Saturday night we'll be wearing tuxes. Why? Because we can.

Free WiFi (cont.)

If you want to find several of the free WiFi spots around Nashville, you can look here (scroll down to Nashville).

All of them are private businesses.

It's Playoff Time

I rarely post anything related to sports, but it is NFL playoff time which brings me to this question: Did anyone else enjoy seeing Peyton getting whipped by the Patriots yesterday? Well, I did. heh

Poor guy...

Oh...and here's my pick for who's going to make it to the Super Bowl: New England vs. Philadelphia

Update: Heh! Six Meat Buffet joins in on the action.

Free WiFi

In today's Nashville City Paper, Tom Neff talks about Nashville being behind because of the lack of free wireless internet access downtown. Actually, he starts out by saying that you can't even get broadband downtown, but I'm not sure that is the case. Comcast can provide a cable internet connection anywhere they have a line, and BellSouth has a huge hub downtown making it pretty easy to provide DSL in the area...but that's beside the point (and I could be wrong there...anyone know for sure about this?).

Neff's assertion is that if the city of Nashville were to provide free wireless internet access downtown, it would promote residential growth of the downtown area...something that they have been attempting to spur for the past few years.

People are migrating to urban areas from the suburbs. Nashville is trying to attract residential dwellers to its downtown because it has been deserted by business. Both business and resident demand high-speed Internet at a minimum, and Nashville needs to wake up to recognize that connectivity and productivity are now intertwined.

But forget broadband: without wireless, you’re behind. Wireless capability is the equivalent of having Interstate highway access: where would Tennessee be without I-40, I-24, and I-65?

Cities are beginning to understand the power of wireless. It’s more than a convenient hook up. It’s big business. It’s providing a free infrastructure — usually far cheaper than an ISP such as Comcast — to encourage commerce. It attracts industry, tourism, and money. Cities start to claim “bragging rights”: “We’re the largest wireless in the nation.”

It would be nice to have free wireless access, but should the local government be doing it?

There are two ways to look at it:

1) How much will it cost, and will the cost be offset by growth in the downtown area? You have equipment costs (plus maintenance), connectivity, and the cost paying a staff to make sure it's running. You also have marketing costs...which they'll probably have to do to get the word out (of course, newspapers and bloggers would get the word out as well). Will the investment provide enough of a return? I'm sure it will, but...

2) Will a governmental entity (namely, Metro Nashville Government) be competing with private businesses by providing a free service? If I live downtown and wanted an internet connection, I would go for the free internet which is already there instead of paying Comcast or BellSouth to bring in cable or DSL into my apartment. That could potentially hurt those private businesses that provide internet access for a fee.

If there were 1000 people living downtown needing access to the internet, the government would be undercutting private ISPs by around $50,000 per month and $600,000 per year (based on a $50 broadband fee from Comcast or BellSouth).

Normally the government will punish a company for unfairly pricing a service or product because it would harm competition. Well, that is unless the government itself is the one being unfair...then it doesn't matter anymore (yes, it's a double standard).

I think that free wireless would definitely provide one facet in promoting residential growth in the downtown district. The cost and effects listed above will probably also be minimal, but at the same time, I'm always cautious when it comes to the spending of taxpayer money and governmental involvement with things that can be better handled by the private sector.

I would support a free wireless project as long as it is restricted to the downtown area...minimalizing the effect on private ISPs (unlike Philadelphia which is trying to blanket their entire city with free wireless...VERY bad for private business) and a large part of the project is undertaken with private investments.

By the way...Nashville ranks in at 68 on an Intel list of most "unwired" cities in the nation.

Bill Hobbs has more on downtown wifi focusing primarily on how it would provide opportunities for growth.

Praise revoked

Last week I praised the Knoxville Police Department for selling weapons instead of destroying them.

That praise is now revoked (no offense to the KPD). The guns being sold were from a private collection. Say Uncle has the scoop.

Legislation

This has popped up in the Tennessee Legislature:

SB 0026* - Norris
Possession of firearms where alcohol is served. Allows a person with firearm permit to have a firearm in a building that serves alcohol if they themselves are not consuming alcohol and the owner of the establishment has not prohibited firearms on the premises. TCA Secs. 39-17-0000; 39-17-1305

Senate Status: Introduced 1/13/2005

I'm Blake Wylie, and I approve of this bill.

If you live in Tennessee, you need to write your state senator today to voice support for this as it would allow handgun permit holders (who have gone through strenuous background checks) to carry their weapons into restaurants (where it is now illegal to even have them in your car in the parking lot) as well as other places that serve alcohol...as long as that person is not consuming alcohol.

By the way...Be sure to read what I posted yesterday about the study showing that guns restrictions have no effect on crime (except that it goes down when there are less restrictions).

Wilder's Water Boys

From today's Nashville City Paper:

Wilder keeps Democrats - Lt. Gov. John Wilder Thursday announced that Democrats would keep their five committee chairmanships, a move that left the new Republican majority in the state Senate less than enthused.

Republicans, despite gaining a 17-16 majority in the November elections for the first time since Reconstruction, failed to put together enough votes to unseat Wilder as speaker Tuesday. The 83-year-old Democrat picked up two Republican votes and remained in power.

The GOP, which under the former Democratic majority held four of the nine powerful Senate committee chairs, had lobbied Wilder for a majority of the seats and a majority of members on each committee.

However, Wilder responded Thursday renaming all five Democratic committee chairmen to their seats.

They failed to unseat Wilder because of the two Republican Senators pictured above.

Bill Hobbs provides more details on this story.

Patches the Horse

A little humour for your Friday.

A friend sent me this video via email. I'm not sure where it originally came from, but I offer it for all to download.

Patches the Horse
It's in WMV format and 4MB in size. Right click the link and save to your computer.

Yes, it's a must see.

Don't ask...

This brings a whole new meaning to "don't ask, don't tell."

THE Pentagon considered developing a host of non-lethal chemical weapons that would disrupt discipline and morale among enemy troops, newly declassified documents reveal.

Most bizarre among the plans was one for the development of an "aphrodisiac" chemical weapon that would make enemy soldiers sexually irresistible to each other. Provoking widespread homosexual behaviour among troops would cause a "distasteful but completely non-lethal" blow to morale, the proposal says.

Read the entire article.

Site Speed

You may notice the site loading a little faster today. The slowdown was caused by a script running under the "Site Info" bar on the left that linked to my profile in the Blog Ecosystem. Because the site providing that script was running slow, it continually slowed the loading of my site.

I'll probably just replace it with a standard html link later today (for those interested in that type of thing).

One more...

Ok...last gun post for the day.

You can't let moments pass like this when:

1) You have a tux on
2) You have an AK in the house
3) There is a camera handy
4) And when a PPK just isn't enough

What better way to bring in the New Year?

For the record...it wasn't my idea. I was going for the Frank Sinatra look...but someone just had to say, "Get a picture with the gun." After the picture was taken, the gun was promptly put away and things quickly got back to normal.

More Gun Stuff

Yeah...a lot of gun stuff since coming back...but this is a must read.

The most pre-eminent scientific group in America has produced a definitive analysis of our decades-long experience with gun control and shattered what has become an article of faith among proponents.

The 328-page report by the National Academy of Sciences is based on 253 journal articles, 99 books, 43 government publications, a survey of 80 gun-control laws and some of its own independent study.

It could find no evidence to support the conclusion that government restrictions on firearms reduces gun crime, gun violence and gun accidents.

As noted by John Lott Jr., resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and frequent contributor to this page, this stunning indictment of the ineffectiveness of gun-control laws was produced by a panel set up during the Clinton administration. All but one of its members were known before their appointments to favor gun control. No NRA shills here.

Lott credits the report for pointing out the obvious: Criminals who use guns to break laws will break laws to use guns. He also notes that the report failed to include in its analysis how gun-ownership restrictions may restrict defensive uses of firearms and endanger potential victims.

Read the entire thing.

A lesson learned

From Channel 4 News here in Nashville.

January 13, 2005

A home invasion Wednesday night ended up landing three suspects in the hospital.

Police say three men entered a home on Whites Creek Pike around 8:00pm. Officers say they assaulted the husband and wife, but the woman managed to escape to a neighbor's house.

The neighbor returned and shot all three suspects. One man was found with a gunshot to the neck at the scene.

Two others managed to drive themselves to Skyline Medical Center.

Two innocent citizens spared...three thugs taken down.

The neighbor deserves a medal.

Update: It looks like the intruders were attempting to steal drugs...which were in the house. However, the neighbor still deserves a medal.

We have rights?

Are these the people we want to have all the guns?

KEY WEST — An assistant manager of a local pizza shop who became nonresponsive after going into insulin shock was pepper sprayed by a police officer after a customer told police the man appeared to be "stoned out of his mind."

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- A school principal who says he was beaten by at least four city police officers while having a diabetic attack is suing the officers, accusing them of dragging him through his car window and calling him a drug user before getting him medical help.

And...in other news of rights being violated by that special class of citizens...

Police in Truro, Massachusetts, are seeking genetic thumbprints from nearly 800 men who live in the quiet seaside hamlet hopes of solving the murder of Christa Worthington, a fashion writer.

Worthington's body was discovered Jan. 6, 2002, at her Truro home with her 2-year-old toddler, Ava, at her side. A $25,000 reward has so far failed to yield her killer.

In a bid to jump-start the investigation, police have begun asking Truro's male residents to voluntarily produce DNA samples -- collected by swabbing inside the mouth -- to help find a match for the semen that was found on Worthington's body.

The New York Times reported Monday that police are approaching men in public with the request, and have announced that they will closely watch those who refuse. Authorities also say they may expand the drive to neighboring communities, the Times said.

(ht: No Silence Here for the first two stories)

More: Gunner also has some commentary on another blantant violation of citizen's rights here.

Misleading...

CBS? 60 Minutes? Misleading? No way! lol

Ronnie Barrett (of Barrett Firearms) was intereviewd by the Daily News Journal of Murfreesboro regarding the piece 60 Minutes did on .50 caliber rifles (which I talked about here yesterday).

One day after Murfreesboro-based Barrett's Firearms Manufacturing was featured on CBS' "60 Minutes," the company's owner said coverage went as expected but may provide a toehold for anti-gun activists to push legislation he believes violates the Second Amendment.

"This is only the tip of the iceberg," said Ronnie Barrett, founder, CEO and president of the local weapons manufacturer. "This is a slippery slope for gun control, and I think '60 Minutes' played fairly well into it."

And don't forget...anyone over 18 with a clean record can get one! Oh the destruction that will be wrought on our streets! Oh the humanity! Oh the...

Oh wait...how many crimes was it that have been committed with a .50 cal?

(ht: SayUncle for the DNJ link)

Out of the caves...

Someone from the depths of the Nashville Scene emailed me the other day to let me know that they will be bringing their blog (formerly known as Blogville) back to life in the very near future.

The Nashville Scene ended it's blog at the end of the election in November. At the time, I made mention of it here:

I think it's a mistake for the Scene to end their little experiment...It seems more like a retreat from the realm of the new media back into the caves of the old media. Ah well...it was good while it lasted. Maybe they'll change their minds and come back out to play one of these days.

With some apparent lobbying by the former writers of Blogville (Roger Abramson and Bruce Barry), the higher ups have agreed and it will be returning soon.

So...here's an early "welcome back" from me.

Update: It looks like the guys over at Thursday Night Fever caught a glimpse of the Scene's test site. Unfortunately, it's not there anymore. LOL...nothing says that there's something there like saying "nothing here."

Update 2: Speaking of blogs in Nashville...Early last week, Bill Hobbs composed a good list of Nashville area blogs. Head over and check it out.

Speaking of...

Speaking of Knoxville, I was surprised to learn that Frank Sinatra, Jr. will be coming to the Knoxville Symphony in February.

In a moving tribute to “Ol' Blue Eyes,” Frank Sinatra, Jr. sings the music of his legendary father, touring with Sinatra's original pianist, Bill Miller.

Yes...Bill Miller will be playing as well. Anyone familiar with Sinatra knows who Bill Miller is. Just seeing him is worth the trip.

If you know of anyone that works with the Knoxville Symphony, let me know. I'd love to be able to meet them (I don't have those types of connections in Knoxville...lol).

And speaking of Sinatra...I thought I would share this picture from New Years Eve:

Nashville's Rat Pack

Miss O'Hara: How many slackers do you know that dress like that? lol

And speaking of the magnificent Miss O'Hara...she has written a nice post about the media's portrayal of men in the media. Go read it...it's excellent. Also, read Vox Popoli's follow-up.

Knoxville Understands

SayUncle points to a commentary complaining whining about the Knoxville Police Department selling firearms that they've confiscated.

I only wish that Nashville's Metro Police Department would learn from Knoxville's Police Department.

No...here in Nashville they demonize the guns, pile them up, and smash them while reporters take pictures of them along with the police chief proclaiming what good they have done in destroying these evil devices. Of course, I'm sure that the criminals that they took them from are back on the streets.

If they actually did what Knoxville is doing, they would be doing several good things:

1) The city would make money off of the items.
2) Law abiding citizens would have the guns now.
3) It would piss off liberals and reporters.

Can you tell I'm in a cynical mood today?

More: Wow...an impressive list of firearms that Knoxville is selling. There's even a WWII Mauser Pistol with German Police markings...it even has the original holster. Very nice indeed. Oh...and there are even a few evil SKS's.

Yelling at the TV

It's not often that I yell at the TV, but I did when I saw a preview for this story on 60 Minutes.

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger decided there’s a weapon that’s too dangerous to be in the hands of private citizens.

This past week, a new law went into effect in California banning that weapon. It’s the .50-caliber rifle, the Rolls Royce of sniper rifles. It’s a big gun, a favorite of armies around the world, and it’s still available in 49 states in this country to anyone over 18 with a clean record.

That's right. Anyone over 18 with a clean record!

The 60 minutes spot is trying to say that the weapon needs to be banned before some terrorist gets the gun and uses it against us.

Of course, Ronnie Barrett of Barrett Rifles (out of Murfreesboro, TN), says what needs to be said:

"A terrorist is not concerned about what’s legal or not," says Bradley.

"That’s correct," says Barrett. "And a terrorist is not concerned if you pass, or Tom Diaz passes, another law."

Exactly. The only thing that a ban would do would be keep it out of the hands of someone over 18 with a clean record...God forbid.

On TennCare

The bad news is that TennCare is being saved. The semi-good news is that 320,000 are being dropped from the rolls. Of course, for the whiners out there, that's reversed.

Considering that TennCare could have been cut completely, news organizations everywhere are rounding up the sickest people they can find to tell their story about how much they will suffer without TennCare. Yes, people are going to suffer, but it has to be done.

Forget the fact that TennCare is eating up the state's budget at an unsustainable level. Forget the fact that TennCare is corrupt beyond belief. Forget the fact that it shouldn't be the government's job to provide people with health insurance. Forget the fact that this is what you get when you attempt to support a socialist program funded by taxpayer money.

Do you think I am uncompassionate? I am not...I am a realist and you are seeing the consequences of implementing a program that was doomed to failure from the start.

Back again

Tell a friend.

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