Friday, December 31, 2010
During the year 2011, America will mark the 100th Anniversary of the birth of Ronald Reagan. February 6th, 2011 will mark the 100th Anniversary of the birth of President Ronald Reagan. As that time comes, VUI will post extensively about Ronald Reagan and about what he meant to America. For now, we offer this speech, when President Reagan remarked on the loss of the space shuttle astronauts. It is Reagan at his best. It is America at its best. And, it reminds us of a time not so long ago when we had a President that we all could be proud of.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
9) Nikki, where the Hell did all these people with towels on their heads come from?
8) Hey, ya’ll watch this. Junior is gonna launch my sparkler bomb right from my own hand.
7) Look Uncle Earl, Dick Clark talks like you do.
6) Will you guys put me on You Tube if I launch a bottle rocket from between my butt cheeks?
5) Look at this picture of me, baby. I got my Alvin Greene going on this New Years Eve.
4) Officer, would you like a swig? It is the good stuff.
3) Come on baby, nobody gets pregnant on New Year’s Eve. It’s a law.
2) Ya'll mind if I pee in the corner here. Somebody's in the bathroom and its cold outside.
1) Officer, I cannot stand on one foot sober, much less after all I had to drink.
8) Hey, ya’ll watch this. Junior is gonna launch my sparkler bomb right from my own hand.
7) Look Uncle Earl, Dick Clark talks like you do.
6) Will you guys put me on You Tube if I launch a bottle rocket from between my butt cheeks?
5) Look at this picture of me, baby. I got my Alvin Greene going on this New Years Eve.
4) Officer, would you like a swig? It is the good stuff.
3) Come on baby, nobody gets pregnant on New Year’s Eve. It’s a law.
2) Ya'll mind if I pee in the corner here. Somebody's in the bathroom and its cold outside.
1) Officer, I cannot stand on one foot sober, much less after all I had to drink.
South Carolina lost a business giant and a good man today when Roger Milliken passed away. Milliken was a tough old school businessman who believed that innovation and hard work could please the customers and make money. It was once the American business way and Milliken was one of those textile giants, such as Springs and Self, that created manufacturing in South Carolina. May God comfort Milliken's family. We have lost a giant,
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
VUI kicks off Christmas week with the Top 9 things you don't want to hear during the Christmas holidays. Here we go:
9) “Hey baby, when’s the last time you got your stocking stuffed on Christmas Eve?”
8) “Sorry about that Santa, but it is deer season.”
7) “Daddy, I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus, and Santa looked a lot like Mark Sanford.”
6) “Come down my chimney you commie fat ass, and you got a 12 gauge pump shotgun waiting on you. I will shoot the red off of your long haired, bearded hippie ass. I got a Tea Party waiting for you.”
5) “Merry Christmas from your wife and her attorney, sir. You have been served.”
4) “Dear little Johnny, next year instead of cookies and milk, could you please leave bourbon and your mom’s oxycotin?” Santa
3) “Officer, I am drunk, but my reindeer are not.”
2) “Just because you name your baby Jesus does not mean I am going to pay you child support.”
1) “But, Santa, that blogger told me being naughty with him was being nice. Besides, South Carolina just elected me Governor. ”
9) “Hey baby, when’s the last time you got your stocking stuffed on Christmas Eve?”
8) “Sorry about that Santa, but it is deer season.”
7) “Daddy, I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus, and Santa looked a lot like Mark Sanford.”
6) “Come down my chimney you commie fat ass, and you got a 12 gauge pump shotgun waiting on you. I will shoot the red off of your long haired, bearded hippie ass. I got a Tea Party waiting for you.”
5) “Merry Christmas from your wife and her attorney, sir. You have been served.”
4) “Dear little Johnny, next year instead of cookies and milk, could you please leave bourbon and your mom’s oxycotin?” Santa
3) “Officer, I am drunk, but my reindeer are not.”
2) “Just because you name your baby Jesus does not mean I am going to pay you child support.”
1) “But, Santa, that blogger told me being naughty with him was being nice. Besides, South Carolina just elected me Governor. ”
Saturday, December 18, 2010
9) She is cheating on you if your underwear does not fit.
8) Nice girls do not have tattoos on their private parts that they offer folks to take a look at.
7) Very few straight men leave their women home alone to have a two week, all male vacation cruise with a theater theme.
6) A stripper will be into you until your money runs out.
5) You can not join a good church after you are dead.
4) Life is not a Lifetime or Hallmark movie. Chances are she will stick with a jerk. After all, she thinks she can "change him." So give up and find a sane woman, dude.
3) A good woman will love you till death do you part. A bad one makes sure you go first.
2)You just can't ignore the IRS or a kidney stone.
1) If you need your ass kicked, just show up and try to use the name of God to disrupt a military funeral in the South. Ass kicking guaranteed or your money back.
8) Nice girls do not have tattoos on their private parts that they offer folks to take a look at.
7) Very few straight men leave their women home alone to have a two week, all male vacation cruise with a theater theme.
6) A stripper will be into you until your money runs out.
5) You can not join a good church after you are dead.
4) Life is not a Lifetime or Hallmark movie. Chances are she will stick with a jerk. After all, she thinks she can "change him." So give up and find a sane woman, dude.
3) A good woman will love you till death do you part. A bad one makes sure you go first.
2)You just can't ignore the IRS or a kidney stone.
1) If you need your ass kicked, just show up and try to use the name of God to disrupt a military funeral in the South. Ass kicking guaranteed or your money back.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Westboro Church claims to be Christian. But, they do the Devil's work in the evil that they do in protesting at our fallen heroes funerals. To them, everyone is a "fag" and that justifies their pure Devil inspired hate towards everything good in this world. Make no mistake, the leaders of Westboro Church are taking their flock down the Devil's path of evil and hate. They find a reason to hate people at every corner, just as Satan would tell them to.
In all frankness, the leaders of the Westboro Church would not know Jesus if he walked up and slapped them. In fact, they would probably call him a "fag" for his love and forgiveness he taught.
They are little more than the evil that is Islamic extremists. And, as VUI has asked moderate Muslims to condemn such, we condemn the evil Devil inspired Church of Westboro. It is not Christian. It is not American. It is just filled with the Devil's hate. If you ever doubt that, take a look below at the "Christmas carol" the hate mongers put out below. It makes one think that praying for them is a waste of time. Maybe just need to be ran out of God's House with a whip or cords.
Outgoing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was a political lightening rod for the Democratic Party as it lost control of the United States House of Representatives. Indeed, Pelosi’s grandstanding and just egotistical rants led to the Republicans gaining one of the biggest Republican House majorities in history.
One would think that would end Pelosi’s political career. It did not. Pelosi was selected by her fellow Democrats to be the Minority Leader in the next Congress. Pelosi will be the first former Speaker to take such a position in 58 years, dating back to Sam Rayburn. From that perch, Pelosi will rake in the public benefits. As the Minority Leader there will be the normal perks of being a member of Congress plus some other benefits. Added to that will be Pelosi’s status as a former Speaker of the House, which entitles her to five years of office expenses to take care of, uh hum, “outstanding business.”
If you doubt what that is worth, take note of former House Speaker Dennis Hastert. According to the Chicago Tribune around $500,000 a year of taxpayer money is spent on office space, staff and a SUV for Hastert. You can bet Pelosi will want hers.
Besides, that is what wealthy progressives like Pelosi do. They get theirs. It might come as a shock to the progressives out there, but Nancy Pelosi and her husband Paul Pelosi have millions. They own a sports team. They own a winery and have big stock in big companies like Apple. Frankly, if Pelosi really believes that the wealthy should pay more taxes, she ought to write a check above and beyond her tax bill to the United States Treasury. She can afford it.
But, instead, Pelosi will keep raking in the public perks. She is an example of how broke our system really is. The American people, through House elections, chose to no longer have Pelosi as the Speaker of the House, but it appears Pelosi’s “service” to our country will cost the taxpayers more than ever. Even more disgusting is how someone like Pelosi, with considerable means, rails against capitalism and business, but is all too eager to take benefits from the public that she does not need and dare care call it “service.” But, rest assured, the lady will not go. She will get hers and it will be from you.
Friday, December 10, 2010
9) You tell the state trooper that pulled you over for speeding that you will “whoop” his ass if he writes you a ticket. You dare him to.
8) At 3AM, after a night of drinking, you decide now is the right time, ordained by God Himself, for you to call up that girl or guy from 15 years ago that you should have ended up with. God Himself will help you impress them with your call. You actually pray their spouse does not answer.
7) You block someone from viewing your Facebook page and then spend the next two weeks posting about that person you blocked. You showed him, girl! At least some of your dimmer friends will "like" your comments.
6) You call the cops to report that someone sold you some “bad weed.”
5) You don’t understand why the IRS will not allow you to count your 26 cats as dependents. Those bastards!
4) Your estranged wife moves in with a guy ten years younger than her named Hernando, and you tell your buddies, “She is just pouting. She’ll be back.” Yeah. Okay.
3) You engage in “Moped Sex.” That is the person you were with gave you a fun ride, but you would be ashamed to be seen with them.
2) You are the reason that the local liquor store placed a “no pants, no service” sign on its door. VUI is guessing that happened a few hours after #8 did not work out so well.
1) You thought you were dreaming about walking around an Anderson Wal-Mart butt naked trying to shoplift some underwear, then reality hit when some deputies tazed you to the cold floor.
The Democratic leadership in the United House are bitter. The American people showed many of them the door in November. To many Democrats, that was a sign of ignorance of the people not knowing their betters.
Make no mistake about it, while there are Republicans opposed to the the deal the President cut with Senate Republicans to extend the Bush tax cuts on principle, the Democrats in Congress balking at the President's deal are doing so for personal reasons.
Outgoing Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and other House Democrats are bitter at the President. They think that he cost them their power and in Pelosi's case, her nice plane, what we dubbed "Air Force Three." Further, from the start Speaker Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid treated President Obama like he was a usurper to their power in Washington. Some say it is because of the President's race. Others contend it is his outsider nature. Whatever the reason, President Obama commands the least respect of his party in Congress since Jimmy Carter. In fact, Jimmy Carter might have had more respect. Perhaps one has to go back to the weak Presidents of the United States during the second half of the 19th Century to find a President so disrespected by his own party's Congressional leadership. Chester Arthur comes to mind. Arthur was the last sitting President of the United States not renominated by his party.
Are things that bad for President Obama? Perhaps. The irony is that the right wing that the people in the Obama Administration so feared is not going to be the factor that ruins the Obama Administration. It appears its going to be angry and bitter and dare we say, racist Leftists. Why racist? It's simple. Liberal, wealthy white members of the outgoing Congress seem angry that the Black President did not do what his" betters "wanted.
Don't get VUI wrong, there are a lot things that this blog disagrees with President Obama on. But, he is the President of the United States,and was duly elected to that job. What should make people pause is that conservatives like those of us at VUI give President Obama more respect than his so called friends in Congress.
Indeed, the past couple of days have illustrated the egotistical and selfish nature of those on the Left in the United States Congress. They want your taxes to go up for two reasons. First, they think they could spend your money better than you. Second, they want to punish you for having the audacity not to vote for them. And, apparently, they really seem to not care what that "articulate young black man" in the White House thinks about it. Republicans need to just sit back and watch the circus. Obama's friends are doing far more to prevent his second term than the GOP ever could.
Make no mistake about it, while there are Republicans opposed to the the deal the President cut with Senate Republicans to extend the Bush tax cuts on principle, the Democrats in Congress balking at the President's deal are doing so for personal reasons.
Outgoing Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and other House Democrats are bitter at the President. They think that he cost them their power and in Pelosi's case, her nice plane, what we dubbed "Air Force Three." Further, from the start Speaker Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid treated President Obama like he was a usurper to their power in Washington. Some say it is because of the President's race. Others contend it is his outsider nature. Whatever the reason, President Obama commands the least respect of his party in Congress since Jimmy Carter. In fact, Jimmy Carter might have had more respect. Perhaps one has to go back to the weak Presidents of the United States during the second half of the 19th Century to find a President so disrespected by his own party's Congressional leadership. Chester Arthur comes to mind. Arthur was the last sitting President of the United States not renominated by his party.
Are things that bad for President Obama? Perhaps. The irony is that the right wing that the people in the Obama Administration so feared is not going to be the factor that ruins the Obama Administration. It appears its going to be angry and bitter and dare we say, racist Leftists. Why racist? It's simple. Liberal, wealthy white members of the outgoing Congress seem angry that the Black President did not do what his" betters "wanted.
Don't get VUI wrong, there are a lot things that this blog disagrees with President Obama on. But, he is the President of the United States,and was duly elected to that job. What should make people pause is that conservatives like those of us at VUI give President Obama more respect than his so called friends in Congress.
Indeed, the past couple of days have illustrated the egotistical and selfish nature of those on the Left in the United States Congress. They want your taxes to go up for two reasons. First, they think they could spend your money better than you. Second, they want to punish you for having the audacity not to vote for them. And, apparently, they really seem to not care what that "articulate young black man" in the White House thinks about it. Republicans need to just sit back and watch the circus. Obama's friends are doing far more to prevent his second term than the GOP ever could.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
The President of the United States cut a deal with some Republicans to extend the Bush tax cuts for two years and extend unemployment benefits for thirteen months. Far leftists are howling in pain over the deal that the President made. Conservatives such as Senator Jim DeMint, a guy that VUI likes, are backing away because the deal is not permanent.
The President's remarks were compromising and attacking at the same time. Fair enough. The President is speaking out both sides of his mouth and that criticism is legitimate.
But, there is a larger issue. The country is still in economic crisis. A tax increase would cripple any hopes of recovery in the next two years. So, to the President's credit, he saw the situation and cut a deal. He understands that stopping the biggest tax increase in history will grow the economy. In some ways, the deal he cut was his finest moment as President.
Of course, the hardcore left and right do not like any compromise or any deal. That is their nature. And, with all respect to Senator DeMint, a United States Senator can be radical, but the President of the United States cannot be. That is something that the President learned after two hard years of trying to do otherwise.
Democrats who abandon the President are foolish. With the mood of the American people, this is the best deal that the Democrats could get. And, frankly, with the President's power to veto, this is the best deal for the next two years the Republicans can get.
That said, the President did go about this all wrong. First, he did not line up his party's votes before making the deal. Second, his press conference was short on compromise and long on fighting in the future. That alienates Republicans.
But, the hard cold truth is the tax deal between the President and Republican leaders is the best deal both sides can get. To his credit, the President's compromise was one that seems to most Americans as an effort to get the work done for the country. If Republicans sink the deal, then they will be saddled with tax increases on the American people.
The President made a bold move. Whatever his intentions, the President's deal changed the game. If the Republicans play hardball and kill the deal, taxes go up on the American people and the President can stand and say it is their fault. The egos of the far left and far right will be heard from. They will dance their dance and the President will find himself the champion of the American people if those on the right and left play their hand too far.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Politics is to a good many people a game. Political operatives and officer holders often tout their ability to outwit their opponents in gamesmanship. Fair enough. Competition of ideas is what the American system of government is all about. Like the free market of business, the free market of political ideas supposedly allows people to spell out their ideas in the free political market and let the people decide which ideas are best to govern them.
That is the ideal. But, we have moved away from that ideal. Far too often, political operatives and office holders in both parties think of "the game" first, and the ideas and the people end up down the list. Far too many operatives want to have the reputation of winning at all costs that can gain them big money, and far too many office holders, from the President of the United States down to small town councils want to jockey to hold on to their power and perks. The increasingly higher costs of political campaigns, at all levels, feeds the gamesmanship. It creates a disgusting situation.
Highly paid political operatives tell elected officials what people want to hear to keep them in office. Lobbyists with special interests in mind line up campaign contributions to make sure that pet candidates for office have the money to pay the political operatives and craft slick campaigns to stay in office. Though there is often no direct connection, big businesses, labor unions and other interests that pay the lobbyists and write campaign checks often find their pet issues somehow championed by elected officials. The result is big government Republicans and big business Democrats, and a nation that has government at all levels being broken.
We simply cannot afford the gamesmanship anymore. We compete, at all levels of economic life, in a global economy. We can not compete in that global economy if we are hamstrung by the defacto corruption of political paybacks and gamesmanship. We need political office holders and activists who actually believe that they are public servants. Serving in public office ought to be something someone does to serve the people around them, not spend the public money to serve interests that will keep the public servant in power or enrich them later.
Indeed, we are far cry from our founding fathers. The men who signed the Declaration of Independence all ended up losing a good part of whatever fortunes that they had made in life. Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, Secretary of State, Vice President and President of the United States, died bankrupt. George Washington, the "Father" of our country, died owning Mount Vernon, but only because his wife got it from her family.
In today's politics, bloggers and activists would call those men fools. In today's politics, a politician often serves in office for a little while, has great perks in office, and then leaves office to take some consulting or lobbying job that makes them rich. Whether or not your kid has good teachers or you can pay your health insurance really never crosses their minds. They will give you lip service, but that lip service often comes from the carefully crafted "message" created by the political operatives. Indeed, far too many elected officials unofficially look at donor lists when a constituent calls looking for help.
That is the political system today. Republicans will talk conservative values and then work to have government make sure their supporters get theirs. Democrats talk social justice but line up to protect big unions against the interesting of the working man and woman. Even at the local level, far too many elected officials use their positions to get better jobs in the private sector or broker things like real estate deals.
It is a disgusting mess that has about bankrupted this country and state. The real problem is that we the people are to blame more than we want to admit. Sure, the politicos are by and large legally corrupt, but we let them be that way. We don't dig or probe who is trying to feather their own nest. Instead we worry about American Idol and sports and whether or not Taylor Swift is going to get married. When elections come around, politicians of both parties talk about our knee jerk biases to get our votes. Americans and South Carolinians will search out the best Christmas bargains, but seem to just ignore what is done with a third of their incomes with government.
We are in serious times. It is time we stopped not caring. Whether you are Republican, Democrat or Independent, it is time you demand your elected officials to be public servants, not people who spend government money and power to feather their own nests. If we are to awaken the American economic giant to compete in the global economy, we must not be distracted by the gamesmanship of those who wish us to look away from what is going on. We must have leaders who serve the people, not play games to make the people serve them.
That is the ideal. But, we have moved away from that ideal. Far too often, political operatives and office holders in both parties think of "the game" first, and the ideas and the people end up down the list. Far too many operatives want to have the reputation of winning at all costs that can gain them big money, and far too many office holders, from the President of the United States down to small town councils want to jockey to hold on to their power and perks. The increasingly higher costs of political campaigns, at all levels, feeds the gamesmanship. It creates a disgusting situation.
Highly paid political operatives tell elected officials what people want to hear to keep them in office. Lobbyists with special interests in mind line up campaign contributions to make sure that pet candidates for office have the money to pay the political operatives and craft slick campaigns to stay in office. Though there is often no direct connection, big businesses, labor unions and other interests that pay the lobbyists and write campaign checks often find their pet issues somehow championed by elected officials. The result is big government Republicans and big business Democrats, and a nation that has government at all levels being broken.
We simply cannot afford the gamesmanship anymore. We compete, at all levels of economic life, in a global economy. We can not compete in that global economy if we are hamstrung by the defacto corruption of political paybacks and gamesmanship. We need political office holders and activists who actually believe that they are public servants. Serving in public office ought to be something someone does to serve the people around them, not spend the public money to serve interests that will keep the public servant in power or enrich them later.
Indeed, we are far cry from our founding fathers. The men who signed the Declaration of Independence all ended up losing a good part of whatever fortunes that they had made in life. Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, Secretary of State, Vice President and President of the United States, died bankrupt. George Washington, the "Father" of our country, died owning Mount Vernon, but only because his wife got it from her family.
In today's politics, bloggers and activists would call those men fools. In today's politics, a politician often serves in office for a little while, has great perks in office, and then leaves office to take some consulting or lobbying job that makes them rich. Whether or not your kid has good teachers or you can pay your health insurance really never crosses their minds. They will give you lip service, but that lip service often comes from the carefully crafted "message" created by the political operatives. Indeed, far too many elected officials unofficially look at donor lists when a constituent calls looking for help.
That is the political system today. Republicans will talk conservative values and then work to have government make sure their supporters get theirs. Democrats talk social justice but line up to protect big unions against the interesting of the working man and woman. Even at the local level, far too many elected officials use their positions to get better jobs in the private sector or broker things like real estate deals.
It is a disgusting mess that has about bankrupted this country and state. The real problem is that we the people are to blame more than we want to admit. Sure, the politicos are by and large legally corrupt, but we let them be that way. We don't dig or probe who is trying to feather their own nest. Instead we worry about American Idol and sports and whether or not Taylor Swift is going to get married. When elections come around, politicians of both parties talk about our knee jerk biases to get our votes. Americans and South Carolinians will search out the best Christmas bargains, but seem to just ignore what is done with a third of their incomes with government.
We are in serious times. It is time we stopped not caring. Whether you are Republican, Democrat or Independent, it is time you demand your elected officials to be public servants, not people who spend government money and power to feather their own nests. If we are to awaken the American economic giant to compete in the global economy, we must not be distracted by the gamesmanship of those who wish us to look away from what is going on. We must have leaders who serve the people, not play games to make the people serve them.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
I can not claim to be a lifelong Gamecock Fan. I grew up in a Clemson home. But, for the past 20 years, I have been a Gamecock. I have sat in the student section and in the Gamecock Club section. I sat through some sorry football. The Brad Scott years come to mind. Then, Lou Holtz's first year, 0-11, which featured a game against Vandy when South Carolina snatched defeat out of the jaws of victory. I endeared the wrath from family and friends who wear the orange. Through all that I stayed true to the Gamecocks. The losses that should have never happened. The big wins out of nowhere that gave us hope. This year, though not the Black Magic Year of 1984, is perhaps the most special year for a Gamecock like me. We beat Georgia down, beat Alabama, whipped Florida and Tennessee and handed Clemson their hats.
Now, the biggest game in our Gamecock lives is before us. That old guy with the visor did what he said he would do: get the Gamecocks in a position to win a championship. ESPN and other sports outlets have posted story after story. It is hard to top what they have put out there.
But, as Gamecock, I say to the Gamecocks, go win this. Win it for all those fans who sat through the tough years and stayed loyal. Win it for those players who played through the tough years. Win it for the state of South Carolina. Go out there in the Georgia Dome and play with pride and gumption and go get the job done.
Go Gamecocks! Beat Auburn. Even some Clemson fans are pulling for you today. You are South Carolina today, Gamecocks. Make us proud. Beat Auburn!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Twenty years passes so fast. Twenty years ago, as a young college student at Lander, I was a political animal. What I am going to share is not bragging, but it is an attempt to give you and idea of where I come from. I was an officer for the College Republicans and I worked with, of all things, the Ray Haskett for Congress campaign, among others. I served as Chairman of the Lander College Republicans in the Fall of 1992 and worked as a volunteer for Bush-Quayle. I will be always grateful to President Bush for giving my then 8 year old brother a Presidential pen when President Bush came to Spartanburg.
In 1994, as a law student at South Carolina, I got a full baptism in statewide politics working for Bob Peeler for Lt. Governor. I am proud that I worked for Bob Peeler. He was a good man to work for, and his brother Harvey and the rest of the Peeler family were great people for me and my family to be around. I would not trade that experience for any amount of money.
In 1996, I busted my behind putting up signs and working for Senator Strom Thurmond’s last campaign. I am proud of that. When Senator Thurmond marked being then the longest serving Senator in Johnston, it made my day that he knew my name and greeted me accordingly in front of my dad. I also volunteered for a Republican state senate campaign in the upstate.
In 1998, I had a real job with a law firm. But, I volunteered as a consultant for then State Representative Ronny Townsend, and in the fall, I used all my vacation time to help Bob Peeler’s re-election campaign. In 2000, I had the honor of working for Joe Wilson’s law firm and volunteering on Floyd Spence’s last campaign.
I will spare you anymore. Most readers are smart enough to get the point. I worked my behind off for Republicans before many of the self professed “real Republicans” could find South Carolina on a map of the United States. But, now I am a RINO.
Yep, the guy who has spent every day of his adult life being a Republican is not a Republican anymore according to the “real Republicans.” Howard Rich paid consultants and tea partiers and folks in it for the money have made it clear that RINOs like me are no longer welcomed in “their” party. The truth be told if Carroll Campbell was still alive, they would call him a RINO.
The ignorance is frustrating for anyone with a working brain. People tout the constitution, but have never read it. People believe the bull manure that President Obama, whose policies I disagree with, was born in Africa. People who are so hardcore for Christian values love the fact that a defacto Sikh with a checkered personal life and a flimsy work history was elected Governor. Twenty years ago, working against the one party state that was Democrat was honorable. Today, we have the same one party state, with people blindly supporting whatever has the Republican label.
But, the Republican Party of South Carolina today is not the party of Thurmond, Campbell, Reagan or Goldwater. Is the party of Rich. Howard Rich will enter his ninth year in the Governor’s office in January. For the past eight years, he had the rather pathetic Mark Sanford as his stooge, now he has an equally weak Nikki Haley. Despite Haley tapping former House Speaker David Wilkins to head the transition, the minions around her have already started alienating her from the members of the General Assembly Bless their hearts, they are full of themselves and they want to purge the GOP of old guys like me. The message is clear. If you don’t walk goose step with them, you are not worthy.
Well, perhaps I will give them what they want. I wash my hands of the Republican Party. I will still be conservative, but from now on I will be Independent. Anyone with a working brain and any sense of self respect could not do otherwise. I know too many people who work hard for their livings and who live real lives to be a part of the bull manure any longer. Some friends said that will end any political aspirations I might have. Whatever. Believe it or not, I can live without such things. But, I can not live with looking family members who serve this state and nation in the eye while being a part of the bull manure that is Haley land. I will have no part of that. I, and the VUI blog are now independent. There will be no holds barred.
In 1994, as a law student at South Carolina, I got a full baptism in statewide politics working for Bob Peeler for Lt. Governor. I am proud that I worked for Bob Peeler. He was a good man to work for, and his brother Harvey and the rest of the Peeler family were great people for me and my family to be around. I would not trade that experience for any amount of money.
In 1996, I busted my behind putting up signs and working for Senator Strom Thurmond’s last campaign. I am proud of that. When Senator Thurmond marked being then the longest serving Senator in Johnston, it made my day that he knew my name and greeted me accordingly in front of my dad. I also volunteered for a Republican state senate campaign in the upstate.
In 1998, I had a real job with a law firm. But, I volunteered as a consultant for then State Representative Ronny Townsend, and in the fall, I used all my vacation time to help Bob Peeler’s re-election campaign. In 2000, I had the honor of working for Joe Wilson’s law firm and volunteering on Floyd Spence’s last campaign.
I will spare you anymore. Most readers are smart enough to get the point. I worked my behind off for Republicans before many of the self professed “real Republicans” could find South Carolina on a map of the United States. But, now I am a RINO.
Yep, the guy who has spent every day of his adult life being a Republican is not a Republican anymore according to the “real Republicans.” Howard Rich paid consultants and tea partiers and folks in it for the money have made it clear that RINOs like me are no longer welcomed in “their” party. The truth be told if Carroll Campbell was still alive, they would call him a RINO.
The ignorance is frustrating for anyone with a working brain. People tout the constitution, but have never read it. People believe the bull manure that President Obama, whose policies I disagree with, was born in Africa. People who are so hardcore for Christian values love the fact that a defacto Sikh with a checkered personal life and a flimsy work history was elected Governor. Twenty years ago, working against the one party state that was Democrat was honorable. Today, we have the same one party state, with people blindly supporting whatever has the Republican label.
But, the Republican Party of South Carolina today is not the party of Thurmond, Campbell, Reagan or Goldwater. Is the party of Rich. Howard Rich will enter his ninth year in the Governor’s office in January. For the past eight years, he had the rather pathetic Mark Sanford as his stooge, now he has an equally weak Nikki Haley. Despite Haley tapping former House Speaker David Wilkins to head the transition, the minions around her have already started alienating her from the members of the General Assembly Bless their hearts, they are full of themselves and they want to purge the GOP of old guys like me. The message is clear. If you don’t walk goose step with them, you are not worthy.
Well, perhaps I will give them what they want. I wash my hands of the Republican Party. I will still be conservative, but from now on I will be Independent. Anyone with a working brain and any sense of self respect could not do otherwise. I know too many people who work hard for their livings and who live real lives to be a part of the bull manure any longer. Some friends said that will end any political aspirations I might have. Whatever. Believe it or not, I can live without such things. But, I can not live with looking family members who serve this state and nation in the eye while being a part of the bull manure that is Haley land. I will have no part of that. I, and the VUI blog are now independent. There will be no holds barred.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
9) Your mama calls out "turkey's ready" and everyone grabs a cup.
8) "No, dad, he ain't my baby's daddy, but he loves me anyway. The least you could do is fix him a plate. Hurry up. He has to go be with his wife's people soon."
7) There are more beer cans than teeth at the dinner table
6) You have to carry your sister a plate because she is camped out in front of Dollar Tree waiting on black Friday.
5) You serve fried turkey, fried ham, fried green beans, fried potatoes and fried snickers bars.
4) After several drinks, Uncle Walter breaks out in a special thanksgiving in tongues message.
3) You have empty chairs at your table for Elvis and Dale Earnhardt.
2) Your granny asks "what is white and bald headed and welcomed at the White House? A turkey. "
1) You are a young turkey and you ask an older turkey what this Thanksgiving thing is all about. The older turkey replies, "well when you grow up, those people over there are going to cut your head off, scold you, pluck your feathers and stick cornmeal up your butt. But look at the bright side you were not born Nancy Pelosi."
8) "No, dad, he ain't my baby's daddy, but he loves me anyway. The least you could do is fix him a plate. Hurry up. He has to go be with his wife's people soon."
7) There are more beer cans than teeth at the dinner table
6) You have to carry your sister a plate because she is camped out in front of Dollar Tree waiting on black Friday.
5) You serve fried turkey, fried ham, fried green beans, fried potatoes and fried snickers bars.
4) After several drinks, Uncle Walter breaks out in a special thanksgiving in tongues message.
3) You have empty chairs at your table for Elvis and Dale Earnhardt.
2) Your granny asks "what is white and bald headed and welcomed at the White House? A turkey. "
1) You are a young turkey and you ask an older turkey what this Thanksgiving thing is all about. The older turkey replies, "well when you grow up, those people over there are going to cut your head off, scold you, pluck your feathers and stick cornmeal up your butt. But look at the bright side you were not born Nancy Pelosi."
Sunday, November 21, 2010
It is hard to believe that we are year five of the Thanksgiving Awards at VUI. We are thankful for the readers and contributors who have kept this one of the longest lasting political blogs in South Carolina. That said, let's get on to the 5th Annual VUI Thanksgiving Political Awards. These things are coveted folks, and politicians around the state are waiting with held breathes. LOL.
First, there is the Cornbread Dressing Award for Career Achievement. This year, VUI gives it to outgoing Congressman John Spratt. Those with more crass motives and hearts might disagree, but Spratt served his constituents well during his tenure and frankly, was like Grady Patterson, in a being a sick old man that the Democrats should have let retire in dignity.
We move on to the Cranberry Sauce Award for local government achievement. This year VUI stays local and gives the honor to Anderson County Sheriff John Skipper. As Sheriff, Skipper has led some major advancements in law enforcement investigations and his office is running efficiently for the taxpayers. Skipper seems to be the best Sheriff in South Carolina and that gets him the nod for this award.
That moves us to the Holiday Ham Award. That award is granted to the politician or political figure who, well frankly, has the ego that goes beyond the call. This year is goes to blogger Will Folks. Though we at VUI like Will, and actually believe his stories about Nikki Haley, the fact remains that there seems no bigger ego than Mr. Folks in politics. Jake Knotts comes close, but no cigar, Jakie. Will's self proclaimed conquest of the Governor-elect just takes the political cake, so to speak. Whatever you think of Folks, it took a pair to lay it all out about him and Haley.
Now we move to the nominees for the Golden Drumstick Award. That award is for the best political achievement in South Carolina. We will outline the nominees.
1) Governor-elect Nikki Haley. Can anyone believe what this woman did? She came out of nowhere to win the GOP nomination and to win the Governor's office. She did so with otherwise credible folks talking about her, shall we say, indiscretions. Haley is Teflon, and has a way of making people ignore her flimsy resume and her personal problems. That takes incredible political skill.
2) Congressman-elect Mick Mulvaney. Mulvaney defeated John Spratt. That was no small order. Spratt was like Strom Thurmond in his district. Mulvaney had the skill and the class to campaign around the health issues and age of Spratt while taking advantage of the close ties with Speaker Nancy Pelosi Spratt had to have to maintain his leadership position in the House. While it was a Republican year, Mulvaney played every move right in sending Spratt into retirement.
3) Congressman-elect Tim Scott. Wow. What can you say about this guy. Scott is the first Black Republican elected to the House from the South since Reconstruction. Scott got the GOP nomination beating two old strong GOP families, Thurmond and Campbell. Then, once elected to Congress, Scott is quickly rising, even before officially taking office, in the GOP leadership ranks. This guy is a game changer for Republican politics and bears watching over the next few years.
4)Lt. Governor-elect Ken Ard. Sure, Ard has family troubles and his consultant was arrested after Election Day. But, Ard is something to watch. He went from Florence County Council to Lt. Governor, defeating Tea Party favorite Bill Connor in the GOP primary and then defeating a well funded low country effort by Democrat Ashley Cooper. Ard has a lot of political horse sense and that will serve him and the state well in the next four years.
5) Congressman-elect Trey Gowdy. The Solicitor turned Congressman whipped longtime incumbent Bob Inglis with a message that was humble and basically let Inglis implode. That was smart politics.
The winner of the Golden Drumstick is........Congressman-elect Tim Scott. Years from now, Scott will be a national political force, just wait and see.
That brings us the nominees for Political Turkey of the Year. You figure out the meaning. The nominees are:
1) Congressman Henry Brown. Let's look at this year for Brown. He was once the powerful Ways and Means Chairman of the SC House. He gave that up to be a Congressman. He gave up being a Congressman to run for Supervisor of Berkeley County, and got soundly defeated. Wow. It is unprecedented in SC history for a sitting Congressman to get whipped for a county office.
2) State Rep. Dan Cooper. We at VUI like Dan Cooper, the powerful House chairman. But, this year, Cooper's laziness darned near got him. Some kid gave him a run for his money in the GOP primary and then some third party candidate got far too many votes in November against him. Cooper is in trouble in 2012 if he does not shape up and actually learn how to run a real campaign for his post again.
3) Vic Rawl. This guy takes the political cake. Rawl was a former legislator and Democrat insider who thought he was going to be the man that took on Republican Senator Jim DeMint. Rawl and Democratic leaders were so confident of that fact they sat on their behinds in the primary. The result? Alvin Greene whipped Rawl and opened up South Carolina to one of its strangest political races in history.
4) Congressman Gresham Barrett. Again, we at VUI like Gresham Barrett. But, come on, you raise more money than any candidate for Governor by far and you get whipped by a candidate who did not even show up to her own committee meetings in the SC House? Further the Barrett camp seemed afraid to call such things against Haley. It was like they were in a trance by her campaign. Pathetic.
5) Congressman Bob Inglis. Speaking of pathetic, perhaps the saddest and most pathetic campaign of 2010 was the Congressional primary campaign of Bob Inglis. Whatever his accomplishments, in the Spring of 2010, Bob Inglis came across as the crazy old neighbor who ruined all the neighborhood cookouts with his rantings about crazy ideas. Far too many voters saw Inglis as the crazy neighbor who would set his head on fire to prove a point instead of a veteran Congressman who would serve their interests.
The Political Turkey of the Year Award goes to.....Congressman Henry Brown. You lost a race for Berkeley County Supervisor after years in Congress? That's history made and that is worthy of the VUI Political Turkey of the Year Award.
That brings us to our last, and most controversial award. This award has gotten VUI in "hot water" over the past years. It is the Holiday Fruitcake Award. This year, we had many to choose from, but as we like to stick to just South Carolina politics, the winner was clear. Alvin Greene is our Fruitcake Award winner. Never before have we seen someone so strange. From touting "action figures" in his own likeness to saying recently that he "was born to be President," Mr. Greene personifies the word fruitcake. Greene's web campaign ad sealed the deal. Wow. Here is the video. It shows how deserving Greene is of the coveted Fruitcake Award.
I
Thanks for reading and have a great Thanksgiving Week. Stay tuned for our Thanksgiving Top 9 and then we get back to daily posts about politics come December 1. We will be looking at Congress, the State House and bills filed and everything else.
First, there is the Cornbread Dressing Award for Career Achievement. This year, VUI gives it to outgoing Congressman John Spratt. Those with more crass motives and hearts might disagree, but Spratt served his constituents well during his tenure and frankly, was like Grady Patterson, in a being a sick old man that the Democrats should have let retire in dignity.
We move on to the Cranberry Sauce Award for local government achievement. This year VUI stays local and gives the honor to Anderson County Sheriff John Skipper. As Sheriff, Skipper has led some major advancements in law enforcement investigations and his office is running efficiently for the taxpayers. Skipper seems to be the best Sheriff in South Carolina and that gets him the nod for this award.
That moves us to the Holiday Ham Award. That award is granted to the politician or political figure who, well frankly, has the ego that goes beyond the call. This year is goes to blogger Will Folks. Though we at VUI like Will, and actually believe his stories about Nikki Haley, the fact remains that there seems no bigger ego than Mr. Folks in politics. Jake Knotts comes close, but no cigar, Jakie. Will's self proclaimed conquest of the Governor-elect just takes the political cake, so to speak. Whatever you think of Folks, it took a pair to lay it all out about him and Haley.
Now we move to the nominees for the Golden Drumstick Award. That award is for the best political achievement in South Carolina. We will outline the nominees.
1) Governor-elect Nikki Haley. Can anyone believe what this woman did? She came out of nowhere to win the GOP nomination and to win the Governor's office. She did so with otherwise credible folks talking about her, shall we say, indiscretions. Haley is Teflon, and has a way of making people ignore her flimsy resume and her personal problems. That takes incredible political skill.
2) Congressman-elect Mick Mulvaney. Mulvaney defeated John Spratt. That was no small order. Spratt was like Strom Thurmond in his district. Mulvaney had the skill and the class to campaign around the health issues and age of Spratt while taking advantage of the close ties with Speaker Nancy Pelosi Spratt had to have to maintain his leadership position in the House. While it was a Republican year, Mulvaney played every move right in sending Spratt into retirement.
3) Congressman-elect Tim Scott. Wow. What can you say about this guy. Scott is the first Black Republican elected to the House from the South since Reconstruction. Scott got the GOP nomination beating two old strong GOP families, Thurmond and Campbell. Then, once elected to Congress, Scott is quickly rising, even before officially taking office, in the GOP leadership ranks. This guy is a game changer for Republican politics and bears watching over the next few years.
4)Lt. Governor-elect Ken Ard. Sure, Ard has family troubles and his consultant was arrested after Election Day. But, Ard is something to watch. He went from Florence County Council to Lt. Governor, defeating Tea Party favorite Bill Connor in the GOP primary and then defeating a well funded low country effort by Democrat Ashley Cooper. Ard has a lot of political horse sense and that will serve him and the state well in the next four years.
5) Congressman-elect Trey Gowdy. The Solicitor turned Congressman whipped longtime incumbent Bob Inglis with a message that was humble and basically let Inglis implode. That was smart politics.
The winner of the Golden Drumstick is........Congressman-elect Tim Scott. Years from now, Scott will be a national political force, just wait and see.
That brings us the nominees for Political Turkey of the Year. You figure out the meaning. The nominees are:
1) Congressman Henry Brown. Let's look at this year for Brown. He was once the powerful Ways and Means Chairman of the SC House. He gave that up to be a Congressman. He gave up being a Congressman to run for Supervisor of Berkeley County, and got soundly defeated. Wow. It is unprecedented in SC history for a sitting Congressman to get whipped for a county office.
2) State Rep. Dan Cooper. We at VUI like Dan Cooper, the powerful House chairman. But, this year, Cooper's laziness darned near got him. Some kid gave him a run for his money in the GOP primary and then some third party candidate got far too many votes in November against him. Cooper is in trouble in 2012 if he does not shape up and actually learn how to run a real campaign for his post again.
3) Vic Rawl. This guy takes the political cake. Rawl was a former legislator and Democrat insider who thought he was going to be the man that took on Republican Senator Jim DeMint. Rawl and Democratic leaders were so confident of that fact they sat on their behinds in the primary. The result? Alvin Greene whipped Rawl and opened up South Carolina to one of its strangest political races in history.
4) Congressman Gresham Barrett. Again, we at VUI like Gresham Barrett. But, come on, you raise more money than any candidate for Governor by far and you get whipped by a candidate who did not even show up to her own committee meetings in the SC House? Further the Barrett camp seemed afraid to call such things against Haley. It was like they were in a trance by her campaign. Pathetic.
5) Congressman Bob Inglis. Speaking of pathetic, perhaps the saddest and most pathetic campaign of 2010 was the Congressional primary campaign of Bob Inglis. Whatever his accomplishments, in the Spring of 2010, Bob Inglis came across as the crazy old neighbor who ruined all the neighborhood cookouts with his rantings about crazy ideas. Far too many voters saw Inglis as the crazy neighbor who would set his head on fire to prove a point instead of a veteran Congressman who would serve their interests.
The Political Turkey of the Year Award goes to.....Congressman Henry Brown. You lost a race for Berkeley County Supervisor after years in Congress? That's history made and that is worthy of the VUI Political Turkey of the Year Award.
That brings us to our last, and most controversial award. This award has gotten VUI in "hot water" over the past years. It is the Holiday Fruitcake Award. This year, we had many to choose from, but as we like to stick to just South Carolina politics, the winner was clear. Alvin Greene is our Fruitcake Award winner. Never before have we seen someone so strange. From touting "action figures" in his own likeness to saying recently that he "was born to be President," Mr. Greene personifies the word fruitcake. Greene's web campaign ad sealed the deal. Wow. Here is the video. It shows how deserving Greene is of the coveted Fruitcake Award.
I
Thanks for reading and have a great Thanksgiving Week. Stay tuned for our Thanksgiving Top 9 and then we get back to daily posts about politics come December 1. We will be looking at Congress, the State House and bills filed and everything else.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Veterans are easy to find. One could be your grandfather or the old neighbor who lives down the street. It might you dad or mother, your uncle, brother or sister. Veterans are co workers, spouses, and even sons and daughters. They are all around us, the men and women who stood up and stood post guarding our freedom.
But, with each passing Veterans Day, America seems to forget that. Most schools will be in session. A smaller number of cities will have parades or ceremonies. Indeed, Americans just seem unplugged from the idea that so many are still fighting for freedom in places like Afghanistan and Iraq. Further, more and more Americans seem even more removed from the truth that the freedoms that we enjoy came from the service and sacrifice of military members and their families.
VUI includes families, because in today’s military, especially, families are hit hard by service. Many a good military service member has to face multiple deployments in today’s military. That leaves their families with a missing place at the dinner table, or a missing parent at a play or ball game.
Some will not come back. Others will but never be the same. Whether they served years ago, or serve today, the veterans of the United States are owed a debt of respect for their service in protecting the freedom of the United States.
A few years ago, I had a conversation with a veteran who has since passed away. I took notes because I had a notion of writing about him and those who served with him. I haven’t, because I did not think my poor writing skills could do their service justice. But, one line he said stands out. He told me it was fitting to remember the fallen, but went on to say, “we got remember those who killed and come home and had to live with that killing.” It was a remark that haunts me to this day. Because so many died, but even more killed and live with that.
Service in the military is not easy, even for those that never see enemy fire. We should never let that service be a thankless job. So, today, seek out a veteran, shake his or her hand, and thank them for their service to our country.
Thank you veterans. Here's a tribute from country artist Toby Keith.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
In today's world of college football being constantly on television, it is hard to for younger people to know just how much a radio broadcaster meant to those of us who grew up as college football fans in the late 1970s and the 1980s. Back then, colleges were limited to three games on television every two years in the regular season. If you could not make it to the stadium, the radio broadcast was your connection to the teams you followed.
In this area, we had giants in the radio broadcasting field. The late Jim Phillips called the games for Clemson. Larry Munson called them for Georgia, and Bob Fulton called them for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Each had their own style. Fulton had the knack of knowing the biography of every player that was noted in the broadcast.
People have their favorite memories of Fulton broadcasts. Three favorites come to mind for me. The first is when I was still a kid, and I and my dad listened to Fulton call the game as the USC Gamecocks whipped the USC Trojans, 38-14 in 1983. We were actually Clemson fans pulling for the Gamecocks that evening. My next favorite Fulton broadcast came after I became a Gamecock. Watching the Carquest Bowl on January 2nd, 1995 on television, with the sound turned down and the radio turned up as Fulton called his last football game for Carolina, which turned about to be Carolina's first bowl win was a real treat.
But, perhaps it was in retirement that Gamecock fans and all football fans got an idea of the class of Bob Fulton. When Clemson broadcasting legend Jim Phillips suddenly passed away during the 2003 football season, Fulton came out of retirement to call a Clemson series for the broadcast of the Clemson-Middle Tennessee State game that immediately followed Phillips's death. Such was the mutual respect of the old great broadcasters. Further, just a over a year ago, there was a story in the media about how Fulton would give play by play calls for games for those who could no longer see in the assisted living center Fulton lived in.
But, for me, the passing of Bob Fulton is a loss of another of those pieces of childhood. Great broadcasters like Fulton could paint the game right before you. Those broadcasters like Fulton had the talent of great writers on the fly. They could make you feel that you were right there at the game. So many people have so many memories that revolve around those broadcasts.
So, Rest in Peace, Bob Fulton, and thank you, sir, for the memories. The friends and family of Bob Fulton have our prayers and sympathy.
In this area, we had giants in the radio broadcasting field. The late Jim Phillips called the games for Clemson. Larry Munson called them for Georgia, and Bob Fulton called them for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Each had their own style. Fulton had the knack of knowing the biography of every player that was noted in the broadcast.
People have their favorite memories of Fulton broadcasts. Three favorites come to mind for me. The first is when I was still a kid, and I and my dad listened to Fulton call the game as the USC Gamecocks whipped the USC Trojans, 38-14 in 1983. We were actually Clemson fans pulling for the Gamecocks that evening. My next favorite Fulton broadcast came after I became a Gamecock. Watching the Carquest Bowl on January 2nd, 1995 on television, with the sound turned down and the radio turned up as Fulton called his last football game for Carolina, which turned about to be Carolina's first bowl win was a real treat.
But, perhaps it was in retirement that Gamecock fans and all football fans got an idea of the class of Bob Fulton. When Clemson broadcasting legend Jim Phillips suddenly passed away during the 2003 football season, Fulton came out of retirement to call a Clemson series for the broadcast of the Clemson-Middle Tennessee State game that immediately followed Phillips's death. Such was the mutual respect of the old great broadcasters. Further, just a over a year ago, there was a story in the media about how Fulton would give play by play calls for games for those who could no longer see in the assisted living center Fulton lived in.
But, for me, the passing of Bob Fulton is a loss of another of those pieces of childhood. Great broadcasters like Fulton could paint the game right before you. Those broadcasters like Fulton had the talent of great writers on the fly. They could make you feel that you were right there at the game. So many people have so many memories that revolve around those broadcasts.
So, Rest in Peace, Bob Fulton, and thank you, sir, for the memories. The friends and family of Bob Fulton have our prayers and sympathy.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
In state elections, it is easy to get lost in the issues of local affairs and the shortcomings of character of those running. But, in Congressional elections, being a Republican is easy. Voting Republican means voting for our vets.
Whatever your feelings about domestic policy, the Obama-Pelosi agenda in regards to our veterans and to our men and women still fighting to keep us safe from terrorists leaves a lot be desired. In the past two years, the military has been served with nothing but insults by the Obama-Pelosi machine. Our military has been told to expect cuts in their and their families' health benefits. They have been told to accept homosexuals openly serving or else. The leftists who back the President and Speaker Pelosi have spent money and time portraying our troops as the bad guys. They even tell us that its okay for Muslims to celebrate the attack on the United States on 9-11 by building a mosque on the site of the attacks.
Now, perhaps Muslims do have the constitutional right to build a mosque there. But, wouldn't it be nice to have leaders that at least say that such is inappropriate. Instead, we have a President who embraces such at a Muslim dinner and Congressional leadership that wants to write laws that make it politically incorrect for our troops to even speak ill of the Muslim extremists that they fight. Heck, Congress even pressured NPR to fire a commentator who said he was uncomfortable being surrounded by devout Muslims on a plane.
That is Obama's America. It is a place in which our military is gutted of its benefits and its morale. It is a place in which political correctness overrides common sense when it comes to securing people. Obama's Secretary of Homeland Security frets over good ole boys having shotguns while she fights Arizona being able to secure its borders.
That is the nonsense that is Obama's America. Domestic stuff can be debated ad nauseam. But, the safety of this country and the men and women who fight to protect it is not up for debate. Whatever you think of Republicans, they will fight for the folks who fight for us. They will be there. That is why, state elections aside, it is important to vote Republican in all federal elections. We need a Republican Congress to hold the President and his band of naive ne'er do wells in check. Consider a vote for a Republican a vote for a vet.
Whatever your feelings about domestic policy, the Obama-Pelosi agenda in regards to our veterans and to our men and women still fighting to keep us safe from terrorists leaves a lot be desired. In the past two years, the military has been served with nothing but insults by the Obama-Pelosi machine. Our military has been told to expect cuts in their and their families' health benefits. They have been told to accept homosexuals openly serving or else. The leftists who back the President and Speaker Pelosi have spent money and time portraying our troops as the bad guys. They even tell us that its okay for Muslims to celebrate the attack on the United States on 9-11 by building a mosque on the site of the attacks.
Now, perhaps Muslims do have the constitutional right to build a mosque there. But, wouldn't it be nice to have leaders that at least say that such is inappropriate. Instead, we have a President who embraces such at a Muslim dinner and Congressional leadership that wants to write laws that make it politically incorrect for our troops to even speak ill of the Muslim extremists that they fight. Heck, Congress even pressured NPR to fire a commentator who said he was uncomfortable being surrounded by devout Muslims on a plane.
That is Obama's America. It is a place in which our military is gutted of its benefits and its morale. It is a place in which political correctness overrides common sense when it comes to securing people. Obama's Secretary of Homeland Security frets over good ole boys having shotguns while she fights Arizona being able to secure its borders.
That is the nonsense that is Obama's America. Domestic stuff can be debated ad nauseam. But, the safety of this country and the men and women who fight to protect it is not up for debate. Whatever you think of Republicans, they will fight for the folks who fight for us. They will be there. That is why, state elections aside, it is important to vote Republican in all federal elections. We need a Republican Congress to hold the President and his band of naive ne'er do wells in check. Consider a vote for a Republican a vote for a vet.
9) "Ya'll take a look at this video of the Governor-elect. See what you idiots voted in. That's her with the towel on her head. I swear to GAWD that's her. Where's my drink? Is the dog still in the car?" State Senator Jakie Knotts
8) "Take that Lucy, Charlie Brown just got himself re-elected. Trying moving that football on me again, bitch. Yeah, and tell Barber you are the real cock fighter." lovelorn Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom
7) "Wow, look at all these brown shirts. What a movement we have!" Nikki Haley
6)"....(incoherent)....(incoherent)....(mumble)...wait, you can not video tape me...(incoherent)..." Congressman John Spratt
6)"Thank you America for returning me as Speaker of the House. I have to tell you, I was running low on Zoloft. This really helps. Wait, you said Joe Wilson just won? You lie! I need a pill." Nancy Pelosi
5)"President Obama just called me, and I told him I would do for South Carolina what he has done for America." Vincent Sheheen
4)" I told Nikki to tell the SLED guys if the SUV is a rockin', don't come a knockin'" Mark Sanford
3)"What do you mean I can't hire my daughter as my chief of staff? She got me elected." Ken Ard
2)"I thank you for re-electing me, but I got to ask, does anybody other than me really want this job? Hell, I can't even have a scandal with this job." Secretary of State Mark Hammond
1) "So ladies, you chose Jim DeMint, a bad man. Well, take a look at these pictures to find out what you will be missing for the next six years. I bet you feel bad now. Yeah, you could have had that. All lady peoples want that." Alvin Greene
8) "Take that Lucy, Charlie Brown just got himself re-elected. Trying moving that football on me again, bitch. Yeah, and tell Barber you are the real cock fighter." lovelorn Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom
7) "Wow, look at all these brown shirts. What a movement we have!" Nikki Haley
6)"....(incoherent)....(incoherent)....(mumble)...wait, you can not video tape me...(incoherent)..." Congressman John Spratt
6)"Thank you America for returning me as Speaker of the House. I have to tell you, I was running low on Zoloft. This really helps. Wait, you said Joe Wilson just won? You lie! I need a pill." Nancy Pelosi
5)"President Obama just called me, and I told him I would do for South Carolina what he has done for America." Vincent Sheheen
4)" I told Nikki to tell the SLED guys if the SUV is a rockin', don't come a knockin'" Mark Sanford
3)"What do you mean I can't hire my daughter as my chief of staff? She got me elected." Ken Ard
2)"I thank you for re-electing me, but I got to ask, does anybody other than me really want this job? Hell, I can't even have a scandal with this job." Secretary of State Mark Hammond
1) "So ladies, you chose Jim DeMint, a bad man. Well, take a look at these pictures to find out what you will be missing for the next six years. I bet you feel bad now. Yeah, you could have had that. All lady peoples want that." Alvin Greene
Sunday, October 31, 2010
It is that time a year again when we at VUI predict our list of political race losers. We do this in honor and respect to the late Leonard Posthostis, whose radio program “Leonard’s Losers” was a staple in our homes on Saturday mornings before college football games. Ole Leonard would predict the losers of the games of the day, and be right a lot more than he was wrong. In that tradition, we offer again, VUI’s political losers.
Let’s start with the Congressional Delegation. Senator Jim DeMint is making a name for himself around the country, campaigning for candidates and being mentioned as Presidential contender for 2012. Republican DeMint’s opponent is Democrat Alvin Greene, who has made a national name for himself in his strange and unlikely nomination. The novelty of Alvin Greene and his criminal charges and strange behavior has worn off, and the DeMint machine rolls on. VUI’s loser, in a rout: Alvin Greene.
In the First Congressional District, history will be made. For the first time in that district’s history, a Black man will represent that district in the United States House of Representatives. Democrat Ben Frasier is a good man by all accounts, but this is a Republican year. Tim Scott has done everything right, and is set for a big win and will become a rare Black Republican in Congress. VUI’s loser: Ben Frasier.
The Second Congressional District race is the most expensive in the history of the state of South Carolina. Incumbent Republican Joe Wilson’s “you lie” charge against the President during an address by the President to Congress made this race a national one. Money poured in on both side. Democrat Rob Miller, the man who lost to Wilson two years ago, is back again, with a fist full of dollars. But, Wilson raised even more money, and in the end, especially in this year, the Second District is a Republican one. It will not be comfortable and there might be some tense moments, but in the end VUI’s loser is Rob Miller.
The Third Congressional District is almost forgotten about. Democratic nominee Jane Dyer was whipped two years ago by outgoing Congressman Gresham Barrett. Barrett gave up the seat to run for Governor and lost. Jeff Duncan of Laurens is the new Republican nominee. All that has changed for the Republicans is the name of their nominee. Dyer will feel like a Homecoming opponent when this one is over. VUI’s loser: Jane Dyer.
The Fourth Congressional District is a lot like the Third Congressional District. Trey Gowdy defeated incumbent Bob Inglis in the June Primary, but again, only the names have changed for the Republicans. Paul Corden carries the banner for the Democrats again, and again, he will be their sacrificial lamb. VUI’s loser: Paul Corden
The Sixth Congressional District race is the Democrat’s homecoming game. Democrat Jim Clyburn has considerable firepower in that district and is going to light up the vote tallying scoreboard like Florida against Charleston Southern. Jim Pratt is the Republican homecoming opponent. VUI’s loser, in a big way, even in this year: Jim Pratt.
That brings us to the Fifth Congressional District race. This one is the most interesting one in the state. The old powerhouse, Democrat John Spratt is taking on the new power, Republican Mick Mulvaney. The race has went back and forth in the polls, and both parties are pouring money and operatives into the district. In college football terms, this one is Penn State with its old coach and traditions versus Boise State and its young and trendy ways. An old political dog like Spratt can always find a way to win, so this one is harder than most to call. But, in this climate, it seems the old dog’s time might be up. VUI’s loser, in a close one: John Spratt.
Now, we move to the statewide constitutional officers.
As Curtis Loftis will be elected Treasurer and Bob Livingston will be elected Adjutant General by default, as they have no organized opposition, we will move on to other races.
In the race for Commissioner of Agriculture, Republican incumbent Hugh Weathers is faced Democrat Tom Elliott. If you have never heard of Elliott, do not feel bad, we at VUI had not until we started researching the races. Weathers will cruise. VUI’s loser: Tom Elliott.
The race for Comptroller General of South Carolina might be more interesting. Incumbent Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom is the Republican nominee for re-election. Eckstrom is a CPA and has fiscally sound views, but his love life has become a topic of interest. We at VUI have noted repeatedly how we did not like him using Peanuts characters to express his lovelorn status. That said, his opponent, Democrat Robert Barber, seems to be perennial candidate for statewide office and is an old cock fighting lobbyist. In the end, the lovelorn CPA will carry the day. VUI’s loser, in one closer than people think: Robert Barber.
Another potentially close race will be race for Superintendant of Education. That office seems to be Democrats to have. In the past twelve years, Republicans have swept to victory in other offices, but lost this one. Incumbent Jim Rex gave up the race to run unsuccessfully for Governor. Democrat Frank Holleman runs in his place. Republicans nominated General Mick Zais, the former President of Newberry College, and Libertarian Timothy Moultrie runs again as the spoiler. Zais is not as scary to teachers or inept in campaigning as Karen Floyd was four years ago. This seems to be the year that Republicans could find a way to win this office. Further, despite his personal resume, Holleman does not have the personal touch that Rex or Tennenbaum had before him. It will be close. But, in the end, VUI’s losers: Frank Holleman and Tim Moultrie.
A race that will not be close is Secretary of State. Incumbent Republican Mark Hammond seeks yet another term on that job. There is something about this race that makes the Democrats talk good folks into going out and getting crushed at the polls. This year’s Democrat is Marjorie Johnson. If Democratic Party elders come and try to talk you into running for this office, watch out, you are in for a butt kicking. Johnson seems like a good person, and someone who wants to make a difference, but again, her party talked her into to being a sacrificial lamb. VUI’s loser, in a big way: Marjorie Johnson.
That brings us to the “Big 3” of statewide offices. Let’s start that discussion with Lt. Governor. The Lt. Governor’s office went down a notch or two in status when Governor Mark Sanford survived his scandal in part because people did not want Lt. Governor Bauer becoming Governor. Add to that for over three decades the office of Lt. Governor has been a political dead end. It has been the last stop on the elected political careers of Nancy Stevenson, Mike Daniel, Nick Theodore, Bob Peeler and Andre Bauer. Each of those individuals had impressive resumes coming into office.
By comparison, the resumes of Republican nominee Ken Ard and Democratic nominee Ashley Cooper are light. At least Ard was elected and served on Florence County Council and understands how local government works. Cooper was just a staffer to former Senator Hollings. Yet, Cooper has Charleston to count on and his campaign has hit Ard really hard. Make no mistake, Ard and Cooper are fighting it out for the office. It has been one of the ugliest races for Lt. Governor in the state’s history, and that helps Cooper. But, again, in this climate, VUI thinks Ard will find a way. So, VUI’s loser: Ashley Cooper.
That brings us to Attorney General. You know who we want. VUI has been clear for a while now about its support for Alan Wilson. But, we look at this as it is. The fact is Matthew Richardson, the Democrat, has run a great tv ad campaign. Richardson has also made efforts to thwart the grassroots efforts of Wilson. Further, as the grandson of an ole good ole boy judge, Richardson has used every contact and played every political hand. One has to give the man his due. But, in the end, his nastiness and his disrespect for a man like Wilson who served our country in combat will come back to bite Richardson. Richardson himself is a decent man, but those around him who attacked a vet are not. And, that folks, matters and it will matter to the voters. VUI’s loser: Matthew Richardson.
Now the big one: Governor. The race is between Republican Nikki Haley, Democrat Vincent Sheheen, Green candidate Morgan Reeves and our own Richard B. McCarty, write in candidate. This race will not be as close as some think. Haley has the magic. Some call her a con artist. Some call her talented. But, Haley has a way of saying nothing that rallies people. Take for example her latest ad where she says she will “take South Carolina back.” Back from whom? Her fellow Republicans who control the General Assembly? The Republican Governor who she has supported lockstep? Haley is full of clichés and no substance. But, it works. Haley dodges and flat lies about her life. But it works. She has the “Big Mo” as the Bush the Elder put it. Sometimes people just do not care what a candidate really stands for or what they have done. They just want them. As football handicappers put it, this is a lock. Haley wins and wins big, thus the VUI losers: Sheheen, Reeves, and gulp, yes, our own McCarty.
Let’s start with the Congressional Delegation. Senator Jim DeMint is making a name for himself around the country, campaigning for candidates and being mentioned as Presidential contender for 2012. Republican DeMint’s opponent is Democrat Alvin Greene, who has made a national name for himself in his strange and unlikely nomination. The novelty of Alvin Greene and his criminal charges and strange behavior has worn off, and the DeMint machine rolls on. VUI’s loser, in a rout: Alvin Greene.
In the First Congressional District, history will be made. For the first time in that district’s history, a Black man will represent that district in the United States House of Representatives. Democrat Ben Frasier is a good man by all accounts, but this is a Republican year. Tim Scott has done everything right, and is set for a big win and will become a rare Black Republican in Congress. VUI’s loser: Ben Frasier.
The Second Congressional District race is the most expensive in the history of the state of South Carolina. Incumbent Republican Joe Wilson’s “you lie” charge against the President during an address by the President to Congress made this race a national one. Money poured in on both side. Democrat Rob Miller, the man who lost to Wilson two years ago, is back again, with a fist full of dollars. But, Wilson raised even more money, and in the end, especially in this year, the Second District is a Republican one. It will not be comfortable and there might be some tense moments, but in the end VUI’s loser is Rob Miller.
The Third Congressional District is almost forgotten about. Democratic nominee Jane Dyer was whipped two years ago by outgoing Congressman Gresham Barrett. Barrett gave up the seat to run for Governor and lost. Jeff Duncan of Laurens is the new Republican nominee. All that has changed for the Republicans is the name of their nominee. Dyer will feel like a Homecoming opponent when this one is over. VUI’s loser: Jane Dyer.
The Fourth Congressional District is a lot like the Third Congressional District. Trey Gowdy defeated incumbent Bob Inglis in the June Primary, but again, only the names have changed for the Republicans. Paul Corden carries the banner for the Democrats again, and again, he will be their sacrificial lamb. VUI’s loser: Paul Corden
The Sixth Congressional District race is the Democrat’s homecoming game. Democrat Jim Clyburn has considerable firepower in that district and is going to light up the vote tallying scoreboard like Florida against Charleston Southern. Jim Pratt is the Republican homecoming opponent. VUI’s loser, in a big way, even in this year: Jim Pratt.
That brings us to the Fifth Congressional District race. This one is the most interesting one in the state. The old powerhouse, Democrat John Spratt is taking on the new power, Republican Mick Mulvaney. The race has went back and forth in the polls, and both parties are pouring money and operatives into the district. In college football terms, this one is Penn State with its old coach and traditions versus Boise State and its young and trendy ways. An old political dog like Spratt can always find a way to win, so this one is harder than most to call. But, in this climate, it seems the old dog’s time might be up. VUI’s loser, in a close one: John Spratt.
Now, we move to the statewide constitutional officers.
As Curtis Loftis will be elected Treasurer and Bob Livingston will be elected Adjutant General by default, as they have no organized opposition, we will move on to other races.
In the race for Commissioner of Agriculture, Republican incumbent Hugh Weathers is faced Democrat Tom Elliott. If you have never heard of Elliott, do not feel bad, we at VUI had not until we started researching the races. Weathers will cruise. VUI’s loser: Tom Elliott.
The race for Comptroller General of South Carolina might be more interesting. Incumbent Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom is the Republican nominee for re-election. Eckstrom is a CPA and has fiscally sound views, but his love life has become a topic of interest. We at VUI have noted repeatedly how we did not like him using Peanuts characters to express his lovelorn status. That said, his opponent, Democrat Robert Barber, seems to be perennial candidate for statewide office and is an old cock fighting lobbyist. In the end, the lovelorn CPA will carry the day. VUI’s loser, in one closer than people think: Robert Barber.
Another potentially close race will be race for Superintendant of Education. That office seems to be Democrats to have. In the past twelve years, Republicans have swept to victory in other offices, but lost this one. Incumbent Jim Rex gave up the race to run unsuccessfully for Governor. Democrat Frank Holleman runs in his place. Republicans nominated General Mick Zais, the former President of Newberry College, and Libertarian Timothy Moultrie runs again as the spoiler. Zais is not as scary to teachers or inept in campaigning as Karen Floyd was four years ago. This seems to be the year that Republicans could find a way to win this office. Further, despite his personal resume, Holleman does not have the personal touch that Rex or Tennenbaum had before him. It will be close. But, in the end, VUI’s losers: Frank Holleman and Tim Moultrie.
A race that will not be close is Secretary of State. Incumbent Republican Mark Hammond seeks yet another term on that job. There is something about this race that makes the Democrats talk good folks into going out and getting crushed at the polls. This year’s Democrat is Marjorie Johnson. If Democratic Party elders come and try to talk you into running for this office, watch out, you are in for a butt kicking. Johnson seems like a good person, and someone who wants to make a difference, but again, her party talked her into to being a sacrificial lamb. VUI’s loser, in a big way: Marjorie Johnson.
That brings us to the “Big 3” of statewide offices. Let’s start that discussion with Lt. Governor. The Lt. Governor’s office went down a notch or two in status when Governor Mark Sanford survived his scandal in part because people did not want Lt. Governor Bauer becoming Governor. Add to that for over three decades the office of Lt. Governor has been a political dead end. It has been the last stop on the elected political careers of Nancy Stevenson, Mike Daniel, Nick Theodore, Bob Peeler and Andre Bauer. Each of those individuals had impressive resumes coming into office.
By comparison, the resumes of Republican nominee Ken Ard and Democratic nominee Ashley Cooper are light. At least Ard was elected and served on Florence County Council and understands how local government works. Cooper was just a staffer to former Senator Hollings. Yet, Cooper has Charleston to count on and his campaign has hit Ard really hard. Make no mistake, Ard and Cooper are fighting it out for the office. It has been one of the ugliest races for Lt. Governor in the state’s history, and that helps Cooper. But, again, in this climate, VUI thinks Ard will find a way. So, VUI’s loser: Ashley Cooper.
That brings us to Attorney General. You know who we want. VUI has been clear for a while now about its support for Alan Wilson. But, we look at this as it is. The fact is Matthew Richardson, the Democrat, has run a great tv ad campaign. Richardson has also made efforts to thwart the grassroots efforts of Wilson. Further, as the grandson of an ole good ole boy judge, Richardson has used every contact and played every political hand. One has to give the man his due. But, in the end, his nastiness and his disrespect for a man like Wilson who served our country in combat will come back to bite Richardson. Richardson himself is a decent man, but those around him who attacked a vet are not. And, that folks, matters and it will matter to the voters. VUI’s loser: Matthew Richardson.
Now the big one: Governor. The race is between Republican Nikki Haley, Democrat Vincent Sheheen, Green candidate Morgan Reeves and our own Richard B. McCarty, write in candidate. This race will not be as close as some think. Haley has the magic. Some call her a con artist. Some call her talented. But, Haley has a way of saying nothing that rallies people. Take for example her latest ad where she says she will “take South Carolina back.” Back from whom? Her fellow Republicans who control the General Assembly? The Republican Governor who she has supported lockstep? Haley is full of clichés and no substance. But, it works. Haley dodges and flat lies about her life. But it works. She has the “Big Mo” as the Bush the Elder put it. Sometimes people just do not care what a candidate really stands for or what they have done. They just want them. As football handicappers put it, this is a lock. Haley wins and wins big, thus the VUI losers: Sheheen, Reeves, and gulp, yes, our own McCarty.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
The VUI staff came up with reasons to write their Editor in for Governor:
9) Free BBQ and beer once a month on the grounds of the Governor’s Mansion
8) McCarty does not like hiking on the Appalachian Trail.
7) McCarty just says “no” to sexual advances from bloggers and lobbyists.
6) McCarty promises that the Friday before the Carolina-Clemson football game will be a paid state holiday.
5) McCarty has actually read the state constitution and will read any bills that come before him. It is called showing up to work, Ms. Haley.
4) Though committed to working with legislators, McCarty will never play “dress up” with Glenn McConnell.
3) McCarty will show up in failing schools unannounced and simply say, “What the Hell are you doing.?”
2) Money means nothing to the man. Haley and Sheheen get paid for their contacts. McCarty has no such desire. The guy would live in a tent if he thought it would help South Carolina.
1) Think how pissed the establishment would be if someone like McCarty got elected. They would go nuts. You want change? You want rebellion? Writing in McCarty would really do that. People would piss their pants.
9) Free BBQ and beer once a month on the grounds of the Governor’s Mansion
8) McCarty does not like hiking on the Appalachian Trail.
7) McCarty just says “no” to sexual advances from bloggers and lobbyists.
6) McCarty promises that the Friday before the Carolina-Clemson football game will be a paid state holiday.
5) McCarty has actually read the state constitution and will read any bills that come before him. It is called showing up to work, Ms. Haley.
4) Though committed to working with legislators, McCarty will never play “dress up” with Glenn McConnell.
3) McCarty will show up in failing schools unannounced and simply say, “What the Hell are you doing.?”
2) Money means nothing to the man. Haley and Sheheen get paid for their contacts. McCarty has no such desire. The guy would live in a tent if he thought it would help South Carolina.
1) Think how pissed the establishment would be if someone like McCarty got elected. They would go nuts. You want change? You want rebellion? Writing in McCarty would really do that. People would piss their pants.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
VUI recently became aware of a facebook movement by some of its readers to write in "Richard B. McCarty" for Governor. The staff of VUI huddled together in the Honea Path headquarters and determined that I should "go for it." So, I will.
Over the past few years, I have had the privilege of being the editor of the blog known as Voting Under the Influence. Before, that I had the privilege of working in law and politics throughout the state of South Carolina. I have been in every court house in this state and thousands of living rooms.
From that, I have learned that we all have more in common than we have differences. We all want to make life better for ourselves and our children. Most of us struggle to pay our taxes and stay in compliance with all the government regulations, from car taxes to small business taxes, that hold us back. For far too long, hard working men and women look at Democrats and Republicans and find no one who will stand for them.
Well, a write in vote for me is a stand for you. I am an old political hand and I know I have little chance of getting big votes, but a write in vote for me will not be wasted. I will keep this blog running long after Election Day, and I will keep calling it like I see it. The people who make a living everyday need someone standing up for them, and well, it looks like that guy is me.
But, just for laughs, suppose I was to somehow be written into the Governor's office. What would I do? First, I would schedule a meeting with every member of the General Assembly, Democrat or Republican, in my first sixty days in office. Their time would be limited, but in that time, I would listen to what they and the people that elected them are concerned about.
My own agenda would be simple. First, I would push for no one in state government to benefit from their position in state government. That means no consulting fees for the likes of Haley or legal fees for the likes of Sheheen. Further, I would push for all out of state money to be banned from our electoral process. If folks in Florida or New York want to reform their state government or whatever with their dollars, fine, but let them have a real vested interest in South Carolina before their money affects our state government. That is the one way to make sure South Carolinians control their own state government.
There are other issues. I will always support the efforts of the South Carolina Highway Patrol and SLED to keep us safe. I will work to make sure that administrative cuts in the SC Department of Education do not cut the money we spend on school buses and mechanics for those school buses so that the children of our state travel safely to and from school.
Indeed, if God and lightening struck, I would work to reform how we currently fund school districts and work to reduce the administrative overhead at the school district level. To me, teachers and parents come first in education.
That leaves the big elephant in the room: economic development. Over the past eight years, South Carolina has been on what can be called "cruise control" on economic development. Sure, there have been some minor victories, but by and large the Governor and the well paid Department of Commerce staff have oversaw huge job losses.
Simply put, I will not need any Department of Commerce. Everyday that the General Assembly does not need me in Columbia, I will be out selling South Carolina. I know South Carolina inside and out and have a love for it that, frankly, I think would shine through. I would wake up everyday thankful to be the representative of the greatest state in the union.
Of course, all of the above is just a dream. But, if you really want to make a statement and demand someone loyal to you first, go ahead and write in "Richard B. McCarty" for Governor. If you are looking for someone who is always a advocate of South Carolina first, that write in vote will not be wasted.
Over the past few years, I have had the privilege of being the editor of the blog known as Voting Under the Influence. Before, that I had the privilege of working in law and politics throughout the state of South Carolina. I have been in every court house in this state and thousands of living rooms.
From that, I have learned that we all have more in common than we have differences. We all want to make life better for ourselves and our children. Most of us struggle to pay our taxes and stay in compliance with all the government regulations, from car taxes to small business taxes, that hold us back. For far too long, hard working men and women look at Democrats and Republicans and find no one who will stand for them.
Well, a write in vote for me is a stand for you. I am an old political hand and I know I have little chance of getting big votes, but a write in vote for me will not be wasted. I will keep this blog running long after Election Day, and I will keep calling it like I see it. The people who make a living everyday need someone standing up for them, and well, it looks like that guy is me.
But, just for laughs, suppose I was to somehow be written into the Governor's office. What would I do? First, I would schedule a meeting with every member of the General Assembly, Democrat or Republican, in my first sixty days in office. Their time would be limited, but in that time, I would listen to what they and the people that elected them are concerned about.
My own agenda would be simple. First, I would push for no one in state government to benefit from their position in state government. That means no consulting fees for the likes of Haley or legal fees for the likes of Sheheen. Further, I would push for all out of state money to be banned from our electoral process. If folks in Florida or New York want to reform their state government or whatever with their dollars, fine, but let them have a real vested interest in South Carolina before their money affects our state government. That is the one way to make sure South Carolinians control their own state government.
There are other issues. I will always support the efforts of the South Carolina Highway Patrol and SLED to keep us safe. I will work to make sure that administrative cuts in the SC Department of Education do not cut the money we spend on school buses and mechanics for those school buses so that the children of our state travel safely to and from school.
Indeed, if God and lightening struck, I would work to reform how we currently fund school districts and work to reduce the administrative overhead at the school district level. To me, teachers and parents come first in education.
That leaves the big elephant in the room: economic development. Over the past eight years, South Carolina has been on what can be called "cruise control" on economic development. Sure, there have been some minor victories, but by and large the Governor and the well paid Department of Commerce staff have oversaw huge job losses.
Simply put, I will not need any Department of Commerce. Everyday that the General Assembly does not need me in Columbia, I will be out selling South Carolina. I know South Carolina inside and out and have a love for it that, frankly, I think would shine through. I would wake up everyday thankful to be the representative of the greatest state in the union.
Of course, all of the above is just a dream. But, if you really want to make a statement and demand someone loyal to you first, go ahead and write in "Richard B. McCarty" for Governor. If you are looking for someone who is always a advocate of South Carolina first, that write in vote will not be wasted.
Nikki Haley and the South Carolina Republican Party operation have made a big deal about Democratic nominee Vincent Sheheen being an attorney. If you read their press releases or see their ads, you would think being an attorney was something evil.
If they think that, fair enough. But, like everything else with the Haley campaign, what you see is not what you get. In the latest campaign disclosure, Nikki Haley reported taking thousands of dollars from attorneys and law firms. In other words, while Haley is badmouthing attorneys she is cashing their checks to her. It is all there for the world to see at the SC Ethics Commission website.
Such is a just another aspect in a long line of deception. Haley claims to be for reform with legislators pay, yet took a big consulting fee got through her contacts. Haley claims to be for lower taxes, but wants to put back the sales tax on food. Haley claims to want to work with members of the General Assembly, but stated, to her staff's chagrin it was published, that she would burn any member that did not do her bidding. It goes on and on. Haley seems like the old Earl K. Long of Louisiana back in the 1940s. Long told his staff, "the truth is what I decide it to be. " Long was at the head of a cult of personality.
Haley is not a conservative. She is not a Republican. She is the leader of a cult of personality that hijacked the GOP nomination and frankly, logic will not turn her followers. No matter what evidence of any lies or wrongdoing is presented, her followers will walk lockstep. And, those of us who dare question her will be called all sorts of names. Haley has done a remarkable sales job.
No wonder the folks from "As Seen on TV" gave Haley a contribution.
If they think that, fair enough. But, like everything else with the Haley campaign, what you see is not what you get. In the latest campaign disclosure, Nikki Haley reported taking thousands of dollars from attorneys and law firms. In other words, while Haley is badmouthing attorneys she is cashing their checks to her. It is all there for the world to see at the SC Ethics Commission website.
Such is a just another aspect in a long line of deception. Haley claims to be for reform with legislators pay, yet took a big consulting fee got through her contacts. Haley claims to be for lower taxes, but wants to put back the sales tax on food. Haley claims to want to work with members of the General Assembly, but stated, to her staff's chagrin it was published, that she would burn any member that did not do her bidding. It goes on and on. Haley seems like the old Earl K. Long of Louisiana back in the 1940s. Long told his staff, "the truth is what I decide it to be. " Long was at the head of a cult of personality.
Haley is not a conservative. She is not a Republican. She is the leader of a cult of personality that hijacked the GOP nomination and frankly, logic will not turn her followers. No matter what evidence of any lies or wrongdoing is presented, her followers will walk lockstep. And, those of us who dare question her will be called all sorts of names. Haley has done a remarkable sales job.
No wonder the folks from "As Seen on TV" gave Haley a contribution.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Charleston restaurant owner and former cock fighting lobbyist Robert Barber is back on the statewide election scene. Back in 2006, Barber lost a close race to Lt. Governor Andre Bauer. That race was known for the unlucky nature of the candidates. Bauer was in a small plane crash and Barber's restaurant burned down.
Now the man that would have been Lt. Governor wants to be Comptroller General and is on the attack. Barber is hitting Comptroller General Eckstrom hard in his television ads. Frankly, we at VUI hit Eckstrom hard back in the early spring when it came out that he was sending pathetic emails to former Superintendent of Education candidate Kelly Payne. Personal lives are personal lives, but invoking Charlie Brown, well, it took a while for us to get over that one.
That said, Eckstrom's personal woes aside, the Comptroller General is an accountant, has done a solid job with the finances of the state, and is is champion for opening the government books at all levels. As such, we forgive him for using Charlie Brown.
Robert Barber, on the other hand, seems like a guy who just wants to be elected to something. Four years ago, he was eager to exploit what were perceived weaknesses against Lt. Governor Bauer and run a negative campaign against Lt. Governor Bauer to get elected. Four years later, Barber's new boogie man is Richard Eckstrom. Maybe Barber will win. In today's election climate who knows. But, chances are if Barber was to be elected Comptroller General, he would be like the dog that finally caught the car.
That said, here is Barber's ad against Richard Eckstrom:
UPDATE: With some of the information we have received about Mr. Eckstrom's latest behavior, maybe this office should be appointed after all.
Now the man that would have been Lt. Governor wants to be Comptroller General and is on the attack. Barber is hitting Comptroller General Eckstrom hard in his television ads. Frankly, we at VUI hit Eckstrom hard back in the early spring when it came out that he was sending pathetic emails to former Superintendent of Education candidate Kelly Payne. Personal lives are personal lives, but invoking Charlie Brown, well, it took a while for us to get over that one.
That said, Eckstrom's personal woes aside, the Comptroller General is an accountant, has done a solid job with the finances of the state, and is is champion for opening the government books at all levels. As such, we forgive him for using Charlie Brown.
Robert Barber, on the other hand, seems like a guy who just wants to be elected to something. Four years ago, he was eager to exploit what were perceived weaknesses against Lt. Governor Bauer and run a negative campaign against Lt. Governor Bauer to get elected. Four years later, Barber's new boogie man is Richard Eckstrom. Maybe Barber will win. In today's election climate who knows. But, chances are if Barber was to be elected Comptroller General, he would be like the dog that finally caught the car.
That said, here is Barber's ad against Richard Eckstrom:
UPDATE: With some of the information we have received about Mr. Eckstrom's latest behavior, maybe this office should be appointed after all.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Back in the summer, there was talk that Republican nominee Nikki Haley could get nearly two thirds of the vote in the Fall campaign and lead Republicans to an incredible sweep. As the summer turned to the Fall, the Teflon nature of Haley and the ineptness of the Sheheen campaign made such a scenario more likely.
But, as the leaves are turning, so is the race for Governor. While there still seems little chance that Sheheen will defeat Haley, Haley’s numbers have dipped below 50 percent for the first time since June. Haley and Sheeheen are within single digits of one another. Haley is going to have to depend upon the anti Obama effect to get elected.
There is good reason for that. No Republican nominee in the history of South Carolina politics has ever had the scandalous baggage that Haley has. Believe it or not. Like it or not. It is what it is. And, it is hurting the Haley campaign and the Republican Party.
It will also hurt the Haley Administration. Haley’s reputation for laziness is actually the most appealing negative aspect for legislators. Some are chomping at the bit to dominate state government with four more years of a Governor who does not know how to get things done, who will not work to get things done and whose greatest accomplishment will be lighting the state Christmas Tree. The more that Vincent Sheheen chips away at the margin, the more Bobby Harrell and Glenn McConnell run this state.
That is the reality of politics in South Caroilna. It is not about party as most voters think. Most folks think that voting for Haley is a voting for Republicans and against Obama. It is not. It is voting for a cult of personality that somehow hijacked the nomination. It is cult of personality that is really scary on some level. Affidavits, reports, official fines and liens and what not, all are ignored. Those who dare to point such out are called racists, evil, RINOs, whatever. Those who think for themselves and dare to tell what they see as the truth are called all sorts of names. Indeed, the Haley campaign makes sure to make people out as villains if they do not support her lockstep. Where in history has that happened before?
As such, as the numbers are closing, know that is possible to oppose the President and his politics and oppose someone like Nikki Haley being Governor. Though the Sheheen campaign would never have the guts to say it, Haley is more like Obama than Sheheen is like Obama. She is a rock star with a flimsy record who can do no wrong no matter what is brought up. Sheheen, on the other hand, is a pro-life Democrat who is about as much in President Obama’s pocket as Newt Gingrich is.
VUI is making no endorsement in the Governor’s race. We can’t support Haley, despite being conservative, because, well, Haley is not a conservative and in the end she will embarrass this state. We said the same about Sanford and were laughed at until Argentina. And as for reform, well, with her big consulting fees, trusting Haley to actually reform state government is like trusting the fox to guard the hen house. We will not endorse Sheheen, but we will say any Republican that votes for Sheheen is not voting for Obama or Pelosi. They will be voting for a conservative South Carolina Democrat who might just make the legislators work for their paychecks and has the family life, values, and work ethic that will not embarrass South Carolina. There is no shame in voting for Sheheen.
But, as the leaves are turning, so is the race for Governor. While there still seems little chance that Sheheen will defeat Haley, Haley’s numbers have dipped below 50 percent for the first time since June. Haley and Sheeheen are within single digits of one another. Haley is going to have to depend upon the anti Obama effect to get elected.
There is good reason for that. No Republican nominee in the history of South Carolina politics has ever had the scandalous baggage that Haley has. Believe it or not. Like it or not. It is what it is. And, it is hurting the Haley campaign and the Republican Party.
It will also hurt the Haley Administration. Haley’s reputation for laziness is actually the most appealing negative aspect for legislators. Some are chomping at the bit to dominate state government with four more years of a Governor who does not know how to get things done, who will not work to get things done and whose greatest accomplishment will be lighting the state Christmas Tree. The more that Vincent Sheheen chips away at the margin, the more Bobby Harrell and Glenn McConnell run this state.
That is the reality of politics in South Caroilna. It is not about party as most voters think. Most folks think that voting for Haley is a voting for Republicans and against Obama. It is not. It is voting for a cult of personality that somehow hijacked the nomination. It is cult of personality that is really scary on some level. Affidavits, reports, official fines and liens and what not, all are ignored. Those who dare to point such out are called racists, evil, RINOs, whatever. Those who think for themselves and dare to tell what they see as the truth are called all sorts of names. Indeed, the Haley campaign makes sure to make people out as villains if they do not support her lockstep. Where in history has that happened before?
As such, as the numbers are closing, know that is possible to oppose the President and his politics and oppose someone like Nikki Haley being Governor. Though the Sheheen campaign would never have the guts to say it, Haley is more like Obama than Sheheen is like Obama. She is a rock star with a flimsy record who can do no wrong no matter what is brought up. Sheheen, on the other hand, is a pro-life Democrat who is about as much in President Obama’s pocket as Newt Gingrich is.
VUI is making no endorsement in the Governor’s race. We can’t support Haley, despite being conservative, because, well, Haley is not a conservative and in the end she will embarrass this state. We said the same about Sanford and were laughed at until Argentina. And as for reform, well, with her big consulting fees, trusting Haley to actually reform state government is like trusting the fox to guard the hen house. We will not endorse Sheheen, but we will say any Republican that votes for Sheheen is not voting for Obama or Pelosi. They will be voting for a conservative South Carolina Democrat who might just make the legislators work for their paychecks and has the family life, values, and work ethic that will not embarrass South Carolina. There is no shame in voting for Sheheen.
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