What’s the worst kept secret in the state of Maryland? You got it! Bob Ehrlich is stepping up to reclaim his throne. It’s been all over the news in the past couple of days, becoming official today. But what you might not know is that Bob himself will be in our area next Wednesday, April 7th, for his official kick-off. Sure, he’ll visit Rockville earlier in the day, but he’ll end his tour de MD in his hometown of Arbutus, which just happens to be right around the corner from me. Yay!
Free Event but I’m sure he’d appreciate your “support” if you know what I mean.
So what about parking? People have been waiting for this day for a very long time. Seriously, I think most of the conservatives in Maryland have gained 10 pounds just sitting on the couch watching reruns of Southpark…waiting, waiting, waiting. Okay, so it might not be that drastic, but if you show up just before 6 and expect to find a parking space, good luck with that (and the Dewey Lowman parking lot is pretty large).
But no worries, I have a super sneaky plan. Show up at 3:50, park at Dewey Lowman, then walk or hitchhike (with someone you know, because the other way is illegal and just plain stupid) down to the corner of Benson Ave and Sulphur Spring Rd. Then grab an Ehrlich sign and start waving to traffic. You’ll just blend in with the other “wavers.” Honestly, it’s the perfect plan. They’ll never know you’re just securing your “reserved” space. And if you happen to have a Whisler, Nalley, or Augie shirt, you could even be sneakier and wear it to show support for District 12A and Baltimore County. Am I genius or what?
The following came from a friend of mine in Montgomery County. Her continued frustration with the national scene has finally pushed her over the edge. I think it’s happens to be a good edge to fall off of though…it’s forcing her to look around and act where she can. She’s reaching out, asking questions, and no longer satisfied with the status quot. I say we give her mad props, supporting our friends who are willing to step out of their comfort zones and speak up for what they believe in despite opposition from friends and family.
My only conservative Georgetown friend sent me this email titled “Depressed”. (The rest of the group are liberals). When my former college roommate and a nurse at “Catholic” Georgetown University Hospital replied in favor of the health care bill, I kind of lost it and sent this reply out. Thought you might find it interesting, now that we are both ‘enemies of the state’
Depressed:
Over five thousand years ago, Moses said to the children of Israel, “Pick up your shovel, mount your asses and camels, and I will lead you to the Promised Land.” Nearly 75 years ago, Roosevelt said, “Lay down your shovels, sit on your asses, and light up a camel, this is the Promised Land.” Now Obama has stolen your shovel, taxed your asses, raised the price of camels and mortgaged the Promised Land! I was so depressed last night thinking about Health Care Plans, the economy, the wars, lost jobs, savings, Social Security, retirement funds, etc . . . I called Lifeline Got a call center in Pakistan. I told them I was suicidal. They got all excited and asked if I could drive a truck….
My roommate’s reply:
You should be depressed. We have all been paying a high price for the uninsured for years. They go to the ER for their healthcare after their illness is advanced or for minor ailments that should be treated by primary doctors/nurse practitioners. This may not be a perfect solution, but doing nothing isn’t the answer either. We have to start someplace.
My reply:
How about tort reform as a first step, regulating the amount that can be sued for and the amount of “pain & suffering”? How about more competition in the market place, how about not passing the bill by questionably constitutional means and behind closed, locked doors? How about not ramroding a bill through because of your political agenda? How about leaving a provision in the bill to permit Catholic/Christian hospitals, doctors and nurses NOT to participate in abortion, which some of us believe is murder and against deeply held Religious beliefs, without a threat to our jobs, our places of employment?
And a special thanks to the Democratic Senator who described conservatives and Republicans as “enemies of the state” because we exercise our Constitutional right of freedom of speech.
Bill and I have worked long and hard to have a CHOICE in our healthcare, in the terms of our policy, in what is and is not covered, in what procedures we want provided. I do not choose to let the Federal government, or some committee make those decisions for me.
If the private sector health care industry survives Mr. Obama’s health care bill; if when I need my hip and knee replacement I am not denied because of age or medical issues; if my drug coverage is not compromised, I will apologize to all you Liberals. Until then, I guess I will be an enemy of the state exercising my Constitutional right to protest until you take that away from me.
At least Howard Dean is admitting what this thing really is. I love when he says, “Yeah but you’re making a million dollars. $46,000 of discretionary income is not as big as $430 when you’re making $10,000.” And by the way, that $46,000 tax increase is just for the healthcare bill. We haven’t even started to talk about the other myriad of taxes the Dems are willing to siphon out of the upper class and give to the lower classes (or line their own pockets with…let’s not forget that part.)
Do you remember your reading list from back in your 9th or 10th grade English class? You probably read things like The Scarlet Letter, Catcher in the Rye,To Kill A Mocking Bird and Animal Farm. If you’re like me, you’ve been thinking a lot about Animal Farm this week.
For those of you who may not remember (or only skimmed the cliffsnotes… shame on you!), George Orwell’s short novel is a dystopian, satirical allegory about the animals on a farm in England. On a simple level, this fable illustrates the saying “Absolute power corrupts absolutely,” but it goes much farther than that. It shows that even with the best of intentions, a utopian society is unattainable in a fallen world. The animals start out by banding together and ridding themselves of human oppression. The Pigs take the lead in educating, training and managing the other animals, and everything runs smoothly at first. When 2 Pigs have a disagreement, one runs the other off the farm and through revisionist history and intimidation makes himself the uncontested leader. And it’s basically all down hill for the common animals at that point.
So, without going into a full analysis of the book, my point is this: without a proper, functioning system of checks and balances with full and real representation of what the “common” members of society want, those in power will increase their authority exponentially.
Unfortunately, we saw a bit of this on Sunday night. Look at the polls. More Americans opposed this health care bill than supported it. Look at the vote. It was so close, without the coercion of certain congressmen with special deals and individual phone calls threatening to withdraw support from their campaigns for re-election the bill wouldn’t have passed. Look at the disregard for the Constitution, the foundation of our country.
At the beginning of Animal Farm when the newly formed society was functioning, the Pigs created their own version of a constitution called the Seven Commandments, with the 7th and most important being “All animals are equal.” It’s intention was to set ground rules for all the animals to follow in order to preserve their society. As the story progresses the Pigs begin to break the commandments. By the end of the book there is only one commandment left; rewritten by the Pig leader it reads, “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
Why are they creating laws that they don’t want to follow? Why force us “common” citizens to have something that they don’t even want?
I know our country has a checkered past with equality when it comes to race, gender, creed and sexual orientation, which is sad on all accounts. But do we need to now add yet another hang-up for inequality? Are elected federal officials more equal than the rest of us?
Here’s my recommendation: Read. Read as much history as you can before it’s revised. And read books like Animal Farm, 1984, Lord of the Flies and Fahrenheit 451 before they’re taken off the shelves.
No surprise here, really, Moxley is not seeking reelection. He says his wife made the decision for him. Um, I’m pretty sure that second DUI made the decision for you, Sam. Nobody’s really been counting him in anyways. If there were, there wouldn’t be FIVE Democrats already in the race. Well possibly four. Rumor has it that Kirby Spencer is already out. Considering she never filed, I’m not sure you could say she was ever really in either. So, really, my title is worthless. You can’t bite the dust if you were never in the race to begin with, right?
Let’s move on to the real reason I’m blogging when I should be cooking dinner for three hungry kids and a husband who will walk through the door at any minute. We’ve all heard that Moxley was considering a run for Clerk of the Court. With Mensh’s impending retirement, someone has to fill her shoes. But guess who she least wants it to be? Yep, Moxley himself. He doesn’t care. He’s running anyways.
People, this man is an alcoholic. According to him, he’s recovering, and that’s great. I’m glad that he’s getting his life back together, but really? Clerk of the court? Who does this guy think he is? How arrogant do you have to be to think that you could hold public office with a record like that? It’s not like a DUI is some kind of minor offense. He got into his county vehicle drunk and drove it around town. I’m actually thankful that he got busted before he killed someone. Mad props to our police officers.
Sure he’s sober now, but alcoholism is an addiction. What happens if he’s elected to office and then falls off the wagon? What happens when he gets behind the wheel drunk again and instead of being pulled over, runs a red light and takes out another car? Not only would that be tragic, but it would be an embarrassment to the office he holds and the people who put him there.
Clearly he thinks he’s somehow entitled to public service. Not only did he retain his position as Councilman after his first DUI, the people of District 1 reelected him in 2006. Then he does again and still gets to keep his job. What is wrong with this picture? A man of integrity would have stepped down the first time.
I think I’m starting my own campaign…keeping Moxley out of public office. I’m glad he’s working the steps, going to AA, and putting the pieces of his life back together, but that doesn’t mean he gets a third chance at representing the people of Baltimore County. I think we deserve better, don’t you?
Read Bryan Sears take on it and let me know what you think. You already know where I am on the topic.
Okay. So, I took the morning to grieve a little bit. And in the process I did a little research and discovered a few things. Firstly, in the social research I’ve done (and yes, that means facebook) it seems that people can’t see eye-to-eye on this whole healthcare issue because we’re arguing over two different things.
People on the Pro-Bill side seem to think that Universal Healthcare means Free Healthcare. Not true. It saddens me that so many of my peers (18-28 age range) have a sense of entitlement; that they are OWED healthcare simply because they exist. Also, there seems to be an ignorance of what is actually in the bill. Let me lay a few things out on the table:
Page 30 Section 123: A government committee will decide on what treatments and benefits you will get.
Page 29: Your health care is rationed.
Page 170 & 50: Health care will be provided for illegal aliens (and guess who’s tax dollars will be paying for it).
Page 430: Government determines what level of treatment you will have at end of life.
Page 195: Government will have access to all American’s personal and financial records.
Page 239: Government will reduce physician services for medicaid.
Page 265: Government mandates and controls productivity for private health care industries.
Page 317-321: Government mandates that hospitals can not expand.
Page 280: Government will penalize hospitals for what they (the government) deem as preventable readmissions.
Page 253: Government determines the value of doctors’ time and professional judgement.
(want a bit more follow up on what’s in it & an analysis of the bill? click here —- for a timeline of what’s to come in 2010-2017, click here)
Does this really sound like any kind of solution to a humanitarian issue? Or does it sound like the government stretching their power and furthering their control over the day-to-day lives of Americans? And since when do elected government officials know how to better care for the ill than doctors?
And this brings me to the core of what’s on the other side of the issue. Contrary to popular leftist belief, Conservatives do have hearts. We don’t want to see the elderly struggle to afford medicine and individuals denied insurance due to pre-existing conditions. And many of us recognized the need for some sort of healthcare/insurance reform… but not quite like this.
For those of us on the Anti-Bill side, the issue is a gross imposition on our freedoms and civil liberties – and an outrageous breech of our Constitution by the very people elected to uphold it. It’s the government getting bigger and bigger… and because of that, our choices are getting fewer and fewer. It’s a slippery slope. The more dependent we as a people become (or are forced to become) on our government, the harder it will be to break that dependence.
And on top of all that, many of the DEMs in Congress totally ignored the will of their constituents — the people who VOTE for them and PAY their salaries. Despite the overwhelming unpopularity of this bill amongst us citizens, despite the tea parties, rallies, protests, letters, phone calls and e-mails they passed it anyway. Which, if you’re like me, leaves you disheartened and grieving at the current situation — and yet angered and outraged enough to keep fighting.
Also in my research, I realized that this whole “Socialized Healthcare in America” thing is no new topic of discussion. Ronald Reagan fought against it… and communicated (very effectively) the perils that follow accepting a system like this.
Listen to him speak on the issue, from waaaay back in 1961, well before he became president. And hopefully the picture he paints at the end of his speech won’t come true for all of us several years from now.
Come and join me at Dimitri’s for some great food, drink and a ‘little’ politics. This setting will allow for a informal ‘one on one’ approach to giving you all a little insight into the candidate, campaign and a good ole time. Use the time to conduct your personal interview…We will also have Steve Whisler and Al Nalley there too, so you can shoot the breeze with them as well.
What is the eve of Maryland Day 2010, I felt it appropriate to take the opportunity to invite my friends, neighbors, supporters and even the skeptics to see how a real ‘grass roots campaign’ is born.
This is a donation event!, suggested donation of 20.00 pp, but if you have to search your couch cushions for a few bucks so be it. On the flip side, if you want to contribute more, I wouldn’t be offended.
Happy Hour setting in the Bar Area…
Food: Wings, Onion Rings, Pasta (Alfredo and Marinara) and Salad
Drinks: From 5:00 – 7:30 – All domestic beers, House Wines and Rail Drinks
Looking forward to meeting those whom I’ve not met and seeing those familiar supporters!
UPDATE: If we reach 100 ppl a special raffle will be held and someone will go home with a brand new 32″ HDTV!
I know you’re mad. Me? I’m pissed. But we can’t wallow in the past, point fingers at the Democrats and throw ourselves a pity party. There is literally no time. We have to move to action. If this bill does nothing else (besides divide out country, send us barrelling into socialism, and bankrupt our children), let it put a big honkin’ fire under our asses. Let’s make it clear that NO ONE in Washington, Annapolis, or Towson has an inkling of job security.
Many of you wonder, “What’s the use? We’re going to lose anyways.” Maybe you’re right. We do live in Maryland after all, a solidly blue state, but who’s to say we can’t make a difference in 2010? Who’s to say we can’t get out there, work our butts off and make this state just a tad bit purple.
Inside Washington this bill split the Dems and the Reps, but in Mainstream America, it’s not about party as much as it is about the encroachment of government on our lives. There are plenty of Democrats and Moderates fuming right along with us. I’m pretty sure not all of them signed up for this kind of “change.” Let’s harness the energy and use it for good. Let’s strive for a Two-Party system in the state of Maryland. There will never be a better time than now. If we go home in November without picking up a single seat, especially the governorship, then we’ll only have ourselves to blame. I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t want that on my conscience. We can no longer sit by the wayside with our tails between our legs. Using the words of my friends from Madagascar (the movie not the country), “We got to move it. We got it to move it.” Now shake those hips, open those lips, and let’s send a message, and not just to those who represent us, but to our neighbors, our family, our friends.
However, we must be careful not to waste of time either. Arguing with a die-hard liberal is, well, a waste of time. Focus your efforts on those known as swing voters, ones that actually might jump ship (at least for a particular candidate or election). Team up with our local candidates and sign wave, leaflet, donate, or host a Meet & Greet at your house. If you’re really fed up, maybe you’d even consider running against Cummings (US Congress), Kasemeyer (State Senate), or in District 10 (such a forgotten district, I can’t even remember the Delegate’s names off the top of my head). Even if you don’t think you’re a viable candidate, who cares. At least make them work a little for the job they have. Let’s make it difficult for them to cross the picket line.
If you want to get involved in the grassroots efforts in this or any area, send me an email at hillary@electwhisler.com. I’ll plug you in. Oh and did you know that Anna’s cookies from Ikea are extremely addictive. While I’ve been typing this post, I’ve eaten half the package. Thankfully they’re also semi-lowfat.
Wow, how I’ve missed just sitting on my couch spouting off about whatever happens to blow through my mind. You can tell campaign season is ramping up because I can barely find time to breathe, much less write. However, an idea did creep in this morning, and I can’t seem to get it out of my head, so I thought I’d share.
Many times, we talk about supporting local businesses who support us, but do we really know which businesses are Out and Right? I know of a few, but it might actually be easier to pick out a Left-leaning business than one that is conservative at the core. In the last Gubernatorial election, several local businesses agreed to put up Ehrlich signs just to be badgered into taking them down. I don’t remember anyone taking down an O’Malley sign. I’m guessing we’re just too good a people, right?
Maybe we should be the advocates for conservative businesses. My guess is that there are far more of us than them. I’d like to highlight a business or two a week, who consents of course. Maybe they’ll even offer up a gift card or two for me to give away on the blog. What do you think? If you own a local business, are a conservative, and want to be spotlighted for our readers, just send me at email at Hillary@ElectWhisler.com! I’ll post them on a first come, first serve basis. Of course, I may have to come check out your business, especially if you’re a restaurant. What? I like to try new things. If you know a business owner that could benefit from this, please let them know.
I know that the initial shock and awe has worn off but surely, people aren’t just sitting back and accepting the Council’s lame attempt at pension reform. Granted, they did cut the pension cap by 40%, from 100 to 60%, but that is literally it. They stopped there. And it’s still higher than any other county employee’s eligibility. It actually amazes me that they think it’s enough. Way to throw us a bone.
I seriously hope that we are not willing to let this one go. I’m thankful that there are groups like Americans for Prosperity who step up and give the people an organized forum to speak out. Last week, over 100-150 people showed up to a panel to discuss this issue, much higher than any other gathering before this. I’d say that people are paying more attention than they were before, like the blinders have been ripped off and they are raring to go. Aren’t you? Bryan Sears had this to say on WBAL radio this morning. I’d love to hear your thoughts as well. Are we beating a dead horse?
This is why we need to support Steve Whisler for County Council. He’s the only one I know who is advocating a reduction in his own pay and benefits should he be elected. Now that takes guts!
Let’s not let this issue die people. It’s our job to make sure it becomes and election issue and that our Councilmen are held accountable and responsible for how they spend our money, especially when it is on themselves.
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cost effective solutions for small businesses and political organizations, owned by our very own, Hillary Pennington & Betsy Merena
What’s the worst kept secret in the state of Maryland? You got it! Bob Ehrlich is stepping up to reclaim his throne. It’s been all over the news in the past couple of days, becoming official today. But what you might not know is that Bob himself will be in our area next Wednesday, April 7th, for his official kick-off. Sure, he’ll visit Rockville earlier in the day, but he’ll end his tour de MD in his hometown of Arbutus, which just happens to be right around the corner from me. Yay!
