20060907 KDDC Joshua Bolten responds to Senator Harry Reid et al

Joshua Bolten responds to Senator Harry Reid et al

September 7, 2007

The following arrived in my inbox recently from one of the many political email distribution list to which I subscribe… As a matter of fact – if I am not mistaken, I received it from several times…

Yesterday Joshua Bolten, the President's chief of staff, responded to a September 4th letter sent to the President by a dozen Democrats.

The letter by Senator Reid, Representative Pelosi and ten other

Democrats recites four elements of a proposed "new direction" in Iraq.

Mr. Bolten points out that three of those elements reflect well-established Administration policy -- and the fourth, beginning to withdraw U.S. forces from Iraq by the end of the year without regard to the conditions on the ground, is dangerously misguided.

The letter by Joshua Bolten is substantive, on point, and worth reading. For more, see below.

_________________

September 5, 2006

Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid

528 Hart SOB

United States Senate

Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Reid:

Thank you for your September 4 letter to the President. I am responding on his behalf.

A useful discussion of what we need to do in Iraq requires an accurate and fair-minded description of our current policy: As the President has explained, our goal is an Iraq that can govern itself, defend itself, and sustain itself.

In order to achieve this goal, we are pursuing a strategy along three main tracks -- political, economic, and security. Along each of these tracks, we are constantly adjusting our tactics to meet conditions on the ground. We have witnessed both successes and setbacks along the way, which is the story of every war that has been waged and won.

Your letter recites four elements of a proposed new direction in Iraq. Three of those elements reflect well-established Administration policy; the fourth is dangerously misguided.

First, you propose "transitioning the U.S. mission in Iraq to counter-terrorism, training, logistics and force protection."

That is what we are now doing, and have been doing for several years. Our efforts to train the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) have evolved and accelerated over the past three years.

Our military has had substantial success in building the Iraqi Army -- and increasingly we have seen the Iraqi Army take the lead in fighting the enemies of a free Iraq. The Iraqi Security Forces still must rely on U.S. support, both in direct combat and especially in key combat support functions. But any fair-minded reading of the current situation must recognize that the ISF are unquestionably more capable and shouldering a greater portion of the burden than a year ago -- and because of the extraordinary efforts of the United States military, we expect they will become increasingly capable with each passing month. Your recommendation that we focus on counter-terrorism training and operations -- which is the most demanding task facing our troops -- tracks not only with our policy but also our understanding, as well as the understanding of al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations, that Iraq is a central front in the war against terror.

Second, your letter proposes "working with Iraqi leaders to disarm the militias and to develop a broad-based and sustainable political settlement, including amending the Constitution to achieve a fair sharing of power and resources."

You are once again urging that the Bush Administration adopt an approach that has not only been embraced, but is now being executed. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is pursuing a national reconciliation project. It is an undertaking that (a) was devised by the Iraqis; (b) has the support of the United States, our coalition partners and the United Nations; and (c) is now being implemented. Further, in Iraq's political evolution, the Sunnis, who boycotted the first Iraq election, are now much more involved in the political process. Prime Minister Maliki is head of a free government that represents all communities in Iraq for the first time in that nation's history.

It is in the context of this broad-based, unity government, and the lasting national compact that government is pursuing, that the Iraqis will consider what amendments might be required to the constitution that the Iraqi people adopted last year. On the matter of disarming militias: that is precisely what Prime Minister al-Maliki is working to do. Indeed, Coalition leaders are working with him and his ministers to devise and implement a program to disarm, demobilize, and reintegrate members

of militias and other illegal armed groups.

Third, your letter calls for "convening an international conference and contact group to support a political settlement in Iraq, to preserve Iraq's sovereignty, and to revitalize the stalled economic reconstruction and rebuilding effort."

The International Compact for Iraq, launched recently by the sovereign Iraqi government and the United Nations, is the best way to work with regional and international partners to make substantial economic progress in Iraq, help revitalize the economic reconstruction and rebuilding of that nation, and support a fair and just political settlement in Iraq -- all while preserving Iraqi sovereignty. This effort is well under way, it has momentum, and I urge you to support it.

Three of the key proposals found in your letter, then, are already reflected in current U.S. and Iraqi policy in the region.

On the fourth element of your proposed new direction, however, we do disagree strongly. Our strategy calls for redeploying troops from Iraq as conditions on the ground allow, when the Iraqi Security Forces are capable of defending their nation, and when our military commanders believe the time is right.

Your proposal is driven by none of these factors; instead, it would have U.S. forces begin withdrawing from Iraq by the end of the year, without regard to the conditions on the ground.

Because your letter lacks specifics, it is difficult to determine exactly what is contemplated by the phased redeployment you propose. (One such proposal, advanced by Representative Murtha, a signatory to your letter, suggested that U.S. forces should be redeployed as a quick reaction force to Okinawa, which is nearly 5,000 miles from Baghdad).

Regardless of the specifics you envision by phased redeployment, any premature withdrawal of U.S forces would have disastrous consequences for America’s security. Such a policy would embolden our terrorist enemies; betray the hopes of the Iraqi people; lead to a terrorist state in control of huge oil reserves; shatter the confidence our regional allies have in America; undermine the spread of democracy in the Middle East; and mean the sacrifices of American troops would have been in vain. This new direction would lead to a crippling defeat for America and a staggering victory for Islamic extremists. That is not a direction this President will follow. The President is being guided by a commitment to victory -- and that plan, in turn, is being driven by the counsel and recommendations of our military commanders in the region.

Finally, your letter calls for replacing Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld. We strongly disagree.

Secretary Rumsfeld is an honorable and able public servant. Under his leadership, the United States Armed Forces and our allies have overthrown two brutal tyrannies and liberated more than 50 million people. Al Qaeda has suffered tremendous blows.

Secretary Rumsfeld has pursued vigorously the President’s vision for a transformed U.S. military. And he has played a lead role in forging and implementing many of the policies you now recommend in Iraq. Secretary Rumsfeld retains the full confidence of the President.

We appreciate your stated interest in working with the Administration on policies that honor the sacrifice of our troops and promote our national security, which we believe can be accomplished only through victory in this central front in the War on Terror.

Sincerely,

Joshua B. Bolten

Chief of Staff

Identical Letters Sent To:

The Honorable Harry Reid, Senate Democratic Leader

The Honorable Nancy Pelosi, House Democratic Leader

The Honorable Dick Durbin, Senate Assistant Democratic Leader

The Honorable Steny Hoyer, House Minority Whip

The Honorable Carl Levin, Ranking Member, Senate Armed Services Committee

The Honorable Ike Skelton, Ranking Member, House Armed Services Committee

The Honorable Joe Biden, Ranking Member, Senate Foreign Relations Committee

The Honorable Tom Lantos, Ranking Member, House International Relations Committee

The Honorable Jay Rockefeller, Vice Chairman, Senate Intelligence Committee

The Honorable Jane Harman, Ranking Member, House Intelligence Committee

The Honorable Daniel Inouye, Ranking Member, Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee

The Honorable John Murtha, Ranking Member, House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee

# # #

20060907 Thoughts on the Carroll County primary election

Thoughts on the Carroll County primary election on Tuesday, September 12th, 2006.
Posted by Kevin Dayhoff September 7th, 2006


The Baltimore Sun has come out with its endorsements of candidates for elected office in the Carroll County primary next Tuesday. For the complete Sun article, click here.

For my KDDC post listing all the candidates for elected office in Carroll County click here.

**For the District 4 Senate election the Baltimore Sun gives the nod to incumbent Republican Senator David Brinkley “whose district includes parts of Carroll and Frederick counties…”

The Sun notes that Senator Brinkley is a “Republican who works well with and is respected by members on both sides of the political aisle in the legislature.”

I could not agree more. I would add extraordinarily knowledgeable, wise and thoughtfulness to his accolades.

**For the District 4B Delegate race, the Sun says that incumbent Republican Del. Donald B. Elliott should get the vote. The Sun cites his positions on transportation needs and the importance of agriculture reflect his constituents' views.

Another no-brainer. “Doc” Elliott is highly approachable, pleasantly straightforward, hard-working and, his knowledge on health-care issues is renown in Annapolis.

** For the District 5 Senate, Baltimore and Carroll County, the Sun endorses “newcomer Michelle Jefferson, a former chairwoman of the local Republican Central Committee and candidate for the state senate…” The Sun suggests that “Strained relationships between local officials and the county's delegation over home rule need to be smoothed out.”

Well, the strained relationships certainly need to be ironed out, but replacing the long-serving incumbent Senator Larry Haines is NOT the answer. Hopefully as the vote next Tuesday will illustrate, many Carroll Countians have no problem with the Carroll County Delegation to Annapolis disagreeing with the Carroll County Board of Commissioners. We call it “checks and balances.”

In full disclosure, my family and I have counted Senator Haines as a friend for longer than he has been an elected official. I believe personal friendship means something. It has never interfered me with disagreeing with Senator Haines upon occasion, although no examples come quickly to mind.

I believe that as the vote will bear out; many Carroll Countians have been taken aback at the personal attacks on his profession, his church and his religion in his opponents’ overwhelming anxiety to marginalize him for disagreeing with the commissioners on issues.

The pundits, newspapers, opponents and activists have also greatly overlooked Sen. Haines’ excellent constituent service over the many years.

That is not to say I wish Ms. Jefferson to drop-out of her role in community leadership. I have a great deal of respect for her spunk. But perhaps before she eventually goes to Annapolis – or 225 North Center Street, in some capacity before her political career is over - she gets more experience before she ventures into the hallways and aisles of the Maryland General Assembly – where they eat their young and look longingly at friends for desert. At this stage in her career, Annapolis would eat Ms. Jefferson alive.

For the District 5A Delegate race, the Sun likes Republican C. Scott Stone and Del. Tanya Shewell.

I do also – however, no race in memory has given me more heartburn. My colleague as mayor, Hampstead Mayor Haven Shoemaker deserves the consideration of the voters. Quite intelligent, experienced, knowledgeable on the issues and approachable; I think that he would represent Carroll County as equally well as Mr. Stone, Del. Shewell or incumbent Del. Nancy Stocksdale.

Of all of the candidates, I have known Del. Stocksdale for much longer than she has been an elected official and she wrote the book on constituent service.

I feel very strongly that I could go to any of the four with an issue and get a fair hearing. In the long-run, that may very well be how voters make a decision in the voting booth.

All four candidates and their supporters have been very pleasant to me about the enormous quandary in which I find myself. That speaks highly of all four contenders. Of the four, I find myself agreeing with Delegates Shewell and Stocksdale much more than I agree with Mr. Stone or Mayor Shoemaker; however, all four candidates are pleasant in disagreement.

I do not necessarily look for a candidate in whom I agree with across the board, I look for knowledge base, approachability, commitment to constituent service and someone with whom I can disagree without them getting disagreeable.

I wish we could send all four to Annapolis. Take your pick.

There has been some discussion in the community that the negative tone of the election will back-fire on all challengers and voters will return all the incumbents as a result.

For more on this, see my Tentacle column of August 23rd, 2006, “Why go negative?” and my Westminster Eagle and Eldersburg Eagle columns on September 6th, 2006: Eldersburg Eagle opinion: “Just say no to reality TV mentality in Carroll County election” and for the Westminster Eagle opinion: “Just say no to reality TV mentality in Carroll County election”

In the District 9B Delegate contest to represent southern Carroll County, the Sun has endorsed incumbent Delegate Susan Krebs.

Another very difficult race for me as I very much like the positions of her challenger Larry Helminiak.

However, Delegate Krebs is quite hardworking, knowledgeable and friendly in any discussion on the issues. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with her over the years and feel that Carroll County would be well served by another four more years by Delegate Krebs.

I think that Delegate Krebs has been done a great disservice by some of her rabid supporters by their negative campaign against Mr. Helminiak – and the commissioner opponents.

How much the behavior of some of her supporters will hurt her election day is to be seen. The approach by some of her supporters is not the Delegate Krebs that I have very much enjoyed getting to know over the years.

I also like what I see and hear from Mr. Helminiak. I disagree with both candidates on several of the issues, however, my experience with both leads me to say that Carroll County would be served well in Annapolis by both contenders.

Ultimately, the nod here may go to the incumbent, in spite of the behavior of some of her supporters – but this may be one of the closer races to watch in the central Maryland area.

The Sun did not address the race for Senator from District 9; however, Senator Allen Kittleman is a rising star in Annapolis and by all means needs to be returned to office. His positions, knowledge and advocacy on agriculture, business and finance and race relations serve him and our community well.

For Board of Education, the incumbents Gary W. Bauer and Patricia W. Gadberry deserve another term, however, the idea of Dave Roush ascending to an elected leadership position will be great for Carroll County in the big picture. Take your pick.

For Judges of the Circuit Court of Carroll County: Judges J. Barry Hughes and Thomas F. Stansfield should be overwhelmingly voted into a fifteen year term. In Carroll County, we don’t take politicizing the judiciary very well. Both jurists will join a legacy of the many great judges that has come from the Carroll County legal community and history will reflect upon them well.

_________________

I’ve said it before and I’ll repeat it over and over again; a rule among classier community leaders prohibits promoting oneself by personally sniping at someone who holds a different point of view.

It is not only bad form but it makes you look like someone with the warmth and humanity of a water moccasin. It is always the source of amazement to observe folks who, in the same utterance, plead for understanding and tolerance for their views and then demonize or manufacture a personal attack on anyone who disagrees.

Often a candidate for office can more clearly define what they are against by positively articulating what they are for. Unfortunately, it would seem that many are only against things or persons and have no plan, vision or positive proposals for voters to consider.

In Carroll County the traditionally conservative Carroll County Democratic Party has disintegrated in the last 20 years. In the 1980s, some young and idealistic liberal Democrats hijacked the previously conservative Carroll County Democratic Party and swung it precipitously to the left – and off a cliff.

This has been a great disservice to Carroll County.

Formerly registered Democrats left the party in droves and joined the Republican Party. Traditional and very conservative Republicans have not adjusted well to this change and chaff at the approaches of the liberal “Rockefeller” Republicans.

(I hate to speak poorly of liberal Carroll County Democrats while they persist in a vegetative state but) since the Carroll County Democratic Party has not regained consciousness – (except in the municipalities, where liberals have quite a toehold) and shows no signs of recovering anytime soon; the tension in the Republican Party in Carroll County is palpable and will take a number of years to sort out.

It is imperative that a community have competing ideas and competition for leadership.

As it is, Carroll County must depend on competing ideas to come from the same party – the Republican Party. For many of us – we’re okay with that…

In central Maryland, many new folks have moved into the area and now that they occupy a home in a former corn field, they feel strongly that many of the folks in a leadership role and have handled issues, such as growth and development, poorly.

For someone like me that has become exhausted with the erosion of our traditional Carroll County quality of life, the NIMBYism, the increased complexity – and the growth and expense of government, as a result of poorly planned growth - - there are certainly examples that a sea-change in approach is/was necessary.

However, often many – not all - the new folks aspiring to be community leaders feel a huge sense of entitlement and are vehement about their positions and justify their unpleasantness by their sense of entitled outrage. Often these folks are insufferable.

To repeat a wonderful observation by the Washington Post some time ago – that I sure wish I had written: “The numbing repetition of uncorrected falsehoods creates a phony atmosphere of uncertainty around key questions... Eventually voters throw up their hands and accept the fact that they’ll never know for sure what the truth is, and confusion ensues.

Add to this dynamic: the unpleasantness of the challengers and in some cases, the incumbents, has turned-off many voters. Faced with the devil we know or the unpleasant challenger, many citizens are going to go in the voting booth and choose the incumbent. Whether this is a good thing or a bad thing, history will tell; besides, there will be more elections and we’ll have a plenty of opportunities to tweak or change the direction of government.

Carroll County has done quite well for almost 170 years, the next four years will work their way into the fabric of history just fine.

This is a wonderful place to live and it can only get better, because of, or in spite of government and elected officials.

Whether you agree or disagree with my thoughts, be sure to vote next Tuesday. In most races, the primary will determine our future.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.orgwww.thetentacle.comWestminster Eagle Opinion andWinchester Reportwww.thewestminstereagle.comwww.kevindayhoff.com

20060905 KDDC 76 PA Ave Fire in Westminster

Press release for the fire at 76 PA Ave. apartment Fire in Westminster

Press release for the Tuesday, September 5, 2006 76 Pennsylvania Avenue apartment fire from Doug Alexander, Public Information Officer for the Carroll County Volunteer Emergency Services Association

I took some pictures which I will put up on the blog tomorrow. WJZ Channel 13 carried the story: "Two alarm Fire Burns Westminster Complex."

Caroline, me and two other Red Cross volunteers and went out to the fire scene later and assisted 6 displaced families with clothes and lodging issues. We were out very late.

It was a great show of mutual aid and cooperation as Tuesday was certainly a busy day for the fire service in Carroll County.

The four-alarm fire in Finksburg had equipment and fire fighters filling-in at other stations and approaching the fire it was unique to see Baltimore County pieces of equipment from Glyndon, Owings Mills, Hereford, Boring on the fireground – in the middle of Westminster.

The press release reads:

Press Release: Carroll County Vol. Emergency Services Assn.
For Immediate Release to all media outlets

Apartment Fire – Second Alarm

76 Pennsylvania Avenue Apt.309, Westminster, Md. 21157

No injuries to civilians or firefighters

1 apartment unit gutted, minor smoke damage to one additional unit

Alarm dispatched at 1720 hours (5:20 pm)

First unit on the scene at 1723 hours (5:23 pm)

Fire under control at 1742 hours (5:42 pm)

Units responded from Taneytown, Pleasant Valley, New Windsor, Reese, Hampstead, Westminster, Mt. Airy, Glyndon, Owings Mills, Hereford, Boring, and Manchester

18 pieces of apparatus responded with approximately 50 personnel

Origin and cause of the fire are being investigated by the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office

Damage estimate not yet available

Box 3-31 was sounded at 1720 hours, for an apartment fire at the Shaw apartments, 76 Pennsylvania Ave. in downtown Westminster.

Ladder 5 from Taneytown was filling in at the Westminster station while their units were on a 4 alarm fire in Finksburg. Ladder 5 and Utility 6 were first on the scene with fire showing from the front door of an apartment on the third floor. Duty 3, Lt.
Pinner, arrived shortly thereafter and established Command and requested a
second alarm.

A very aggressive attack was made by Ladder 5, supported by Special Unit 3 and Medic 38. The fire was controlled quickly, but many areas had to be checked for extension, and all personnel living in adjacent units accounted for.

The fire was contained to one apartment with very little damage elsewhere. Smoke Alarms did sound in the burning apartment along with one in an adjacent unit. There were no sprinklers in the apartments.

Investigators from the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office are working to determine the cause of the fire. Building Inspectors and Electrical inspectors from Westminster were on the scene also. Most occupants will be able to return to their apartments this evening.

For further information or details, contact Doug Alexander, Public Information
Officer for the Carroll County Volunteer Emergency Services Association at
410-795-8055 VM16, or page me at 410-890-2918 (P).

####

20060902 KDDC BBC dispatches 200 crack reporters to southern Lebanon

BBC dispatches 200 crack reporters to southern Lebanon

Last Updated: Saturday, 02 September 2006, (10:30 GMT) (11:30 UK) (The Big Hand is on the six and the little hand is on the eleven Rhoiders)

http://news.rhoiders/2/hi/middle_east/20060902

By Kant BeTrue – Staff Reporter
Rhoiders Sept. 2, 2006

(Bint Jbeil, Southern Lebanon) As the dust continues to settle in southern Lebanon from the destruction brought on the tiny country in response to the reckless and dangerous actions of Hezbollah, the BBC flag has been spotted in solidarity with the UN and Hezbollah flags at a BBC sponsored outpost just minutes away from an Israeli position.

Blogger Michelle Malkin has not weighed-in on this latest development, however, she was one of the first to call to the world’s attention the collaboration between Hezbollah, led by Kofi Annan and the UN lead by Sheik Hassan Nasrallah. No, that’s not right – oh yeah it is…

As the story unfurls, various news agencies point to a recent August 26, 2006 post by Scott Ott of Scrappleface, in which he revealed, “Unnamed agency sends other half of UN force.”

It can now be confirmed that the BBC is the organization to which Mr. Scott referred when he said, “The organization that will complete our U.N. force has a long history of dealing with armed conflict in the region,” said Mr. Annan. “They know Hezbollah better than anyone else.”

Unconfirmed reports suggest that the BBC contingent will be lead by BBC bomb expert Martin Asser. “We can hide behind little children with the best of them,” said Asser.

The leadership dynamic of the BBC is further exacerbated by pre-emptive digital fallibility which requires an integrated third-generational triangulated refinement of indefinite managerial potential – the New York Times sending a contingent would do just fine.

It has rumored that Bill Keller, the New York Times executive editor has whispered that the New York Times is more of a state-within-a-state than the BBC and is therefore more qualified to help Hezbollah in the next go-round than the Beeb.

But there are no reports yet as to whether or not the New York Times will also send reporters, yet it would appear that Judith Miller may still be looking for work and no-one can manufacture a story line better than Ms. Miller. It has also been suggested that James Risen and Eric Lichtblau may want a leadership role. They have proven their ability to aid and abet the terrorists.

With the BBC in place, what we really need in order to navigate the treacherous waters that lie ahead is a list of specific unknown problems we will encounter.

Joe Wilson immediately said that he would get to the bottom of that and send his wife to Beirut immediately in operation, “The Girl Next Door,” but don’t repeat that as it is a top-secret covert operation.

Meanwhile the French are still haggling over the details of the deployment of their peacekeeping troops and are now insisting that Howard Dean and the Democratic National Committee also be deployed alongside the French contingent.

When asked why, the French responded that “with the DNC co-deployed, in the face of the enemy, we won’t have to outrun the Israelis; all we will have to do is outrun Howard Dean.”

A point of which, Dr. Dean angrily denied, “Yeeowh, Democrats can cut-and-run better than the French any day of the week!”

####

Kant Betrue, a Carthaginian whose family settled in Westminster after the Third Punic War, has been with the Rhoiders Phoenix Hill Daily Herald Bugle since the 1960s (he can’t remember exactly when in the 1960s…). A Pulverized Prize winner for journalism, he writes about issues ranging from the international syntactic semiotic economics to avatars of hyper-theoretical exploding toilets. Kant BeTrue’s column routinely appears in The Tentacle on Wednesdays. Reach him at kevindayhoff@gmail.com

Back to News Index

Copyright © 2006 Rhoiders Phoenix Hill Daily Herald Bugle All Rights Reserved. On the essay evolutionary scale, this essay is a monkey on roller skates. The monkey may or may not be wearing a pink tutu - this is for you to decide. Never-the-less, this material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Hat Tips: Posts such as this are always inspired by the work of Uncle R2. Of course, the base photograph from southern Lebanon came from Michelle Malkin – thank you. The medication for my infected root canal came from Dr. Y. Crablaw gets an honorable mention for kindness and keeping me up on current issues while I attended to some family matters in the last several weeks. And, last but not least – my Rhoidershopping is always inspired by the Pillage Idiot.

20060902 KDDC The questionable media priorities of the Ramsey murder

The JonBenet Ramsey murder news coverage – A question of questionable priorities.

September 2nd, 2006

I liked Carroll County Times writer Jordan Bartel’s September 1st, 2006 post on Jordan Bartel, Plugged In Friday: “Morals of journalists come into question with sensitive stories.”

The whole JonBenet Ramsey media phenomenon is quite an enigma for me. At a minimum it was sordid, salacious, manipulative, gratuitous and unnecessary.

Apparently Mr. Bartel and I are not the only ones who feel this way. See David Wissing’s very brief post on August 18th, 2006…

In 2003, there were 318 infant deaths in the United States attributed to homicide, according to Child Trends DataBank. Why is the media so morbidly obsessed with the death of a youngster from ten years ago?

Every senseless preventable death due to violence is to be mourned. I only wish as much attention were given to the tragic deaths of poor urban children played out across our TV screens all too often on the local television news. Their deaths are no less a tragedy, especially since many of them did not have a meaningful chance at a productive life due to circumstances out of their control.

The Ramsey child death is certainly terrible, however, no more, no less than the other 300 or so child deaths that should not occur in our country.

Mr. Bartel’s post began:

You've probably heard the phrase, "If it bleeds, it
leads."

It's a disgusting, but somewhat of an unavoidable rule for
media and is one that I never really got behind.

But apparently
media today are so stuck on that rule that it should be amended to, "If it bled
10 years ago, it still leads."

You see, I've been very troubled
lately by the media coverage of the newest "revelations" of the JonBenet Ramsey
case.

Read the rest of his post here.

####

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.
E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org
www.thetentacle.com
Westminster Eagle Opinion and
Winchester Report
www.thewestminstereagle.com
www.kevindayhoff.com

20060902 KDDC Info concerning election races throughout the country

Information concerning election races throughout the country

If you have not had a chance to graze David Wissing’s Hedgehog Report for information concerning election races throughout the country, you need to go here now. Well, maybe grab a cup of coffee first and plan to spend some quality time on the site.

Hats off to Mr. Wissing for a valuable public service…

Meanwhile, Mr. Wissing, your last post on the Hedgehog Report concerning the Alaska governor’s race was August 22nd, 2006. What’s the latest information on this race? How is Sarah Palin doing?

Check out her great bio here.

Mayor Palin’s next fundraiser: The Anchorage Republican Women's Club and The Alaska Federation of Republican Women invite you to a fundraiser for our next Republican Governor and Lt. Governor at the home of Governor Walter J. and Ermalee Hickel, 1905 Loussac Drive Anchorage on Friday, September 8, 5:30 – 7:30 PM. Contribution requested - $100 - Additional contributions gratefully accepted. RSVP – Cathy Giessel, ARWC President 242-5450

Previous Sarah Palin KDDC post here.

####

20060831 KDDC Camel Parking

Camel Parking

Punchline here

Hat Tip: The Jawa Report

####

20060831 KDDC The men of Mary Katharine Ham

The men of Mary Katharine Ham

Thursday, August 31, 2006

Hat Tip: Thursday fun By Michelle Malkin · August 31, 2006 05:17 PM
Mary Katharine Ham is fed up with guy bloggers having all the fun. So for all the ladies in the house: Man Candy.

Equal-Opportunity
Blog Sweeps: The 'Solidarity With Israel' Edition

Posted by: Mary Katharine
Ham at 3:33 PM

The boys have had so much fun with Blog Sweeps Week Month Year, I thought it was about time to do a little pictorial tribute to the nation of Israel for the lady readers. These pictures have been zipping around on e-mail lists between lady bloggers all month, so why not just put 'em up? Enjoy!

If you're a guy blogger, feel free to link it up for the ladies. They'll appreciate it.

Welcome Michelle Malkin and Mary Katharine Ham readers.

####

20060831 KDDC USS Reagan Passing The Arizona Memorial

USS REAGAN PASSING THE ARIZONA MEMORIAL

Posted: August 31. 2006

Hat Tip: Grammy

Seeing it next to the Arizona Memorial really puts its size into perspective.

Notice the respect that they give the Arizona Memorial when passing it.

Here's what it takes to run a ship this size:

When the Bridge pipes "Man the Rail" there is a lot of rail to man on this monster. Shoulder to shoulder around 4= acres. Her displacement is about 100,000 tons with full complements.

Capability

Top speed exceeds 30 knots

Powered by two nuclear reactors that can operate for more than 20 years without refueling

Expected to operate in the fleet for about 50 years

Carries over 80 combat aircraft

Three arresting cables can stop a 28-ton aircraft going 150 miles per hour in less than 400 feet

Size

Towers 20 stories above the waterline

1092 feet long; nearly as long as the Empire State Building is tall

Flight deck covers 4.5 acres

4 bronze propellers, each 21 feet across, weighing 66,200 pounds

2 rudders, each 29 by 22 feet and weighing 50 tons

4 high speed aircraft elevators, each over 4,000 square feet

Dates

Dec. 8, 1994 Contract awarded to Newport News Shipbuilding

Feb 12, 1998 Keel laid

Oct 1, 2000 Pre-commissioning Unit established

March 4, 2001 Christened by Mrs. Nancy Reagan

May 5, 2003 First underway

July 12, 2003 Commissioned

July 23, 2004 Arrived at homeport in San Diego, CA

Capacity

Home to about 6,000 Navy personnel

Carries enough food and supplies to operate for 90 days

18,150 meals served daily

Distillation plants provide 400,000 gallons of fresh water from sea water daily, enough for 2000 homes

Nearly 30,000 light fixtures and 1,325 miles of cable and wiring 1,400 telephones, 14,000 pillowcases and 28,000 sheets

Costs the Navy approximately $250,000 per day for pier side operation

Costs the Navy approximately $2.5 million per day for underway operations (Sailor's salaries included).

####

20060831 USS Reagan Passing The Arizona Memorial

USS REAGAN PASSING THE ARIZONA MEMORIAL

Posted: August 31. 2006

Hat Tip: Grammy

Seeing it next to the Arizona Memorial really puts its size into perspective.

Notice the respect that they give the Arizona Memorial when passing it.

Here's what it takes to run a ship this size:

When the Bridge pipes "Man the Rail" there is a lot of rail to man on this monster. Shoulder to shoulder around 4+ acres. Her displacement is about 100,000 tons with full complements.

Capability

Top speed exceeds 30 knots

Powered by two nuclear reactors that can operate for more than 20 years without refueling

Expected to operate in the fleet for about 50 years

Carries over 80 combat aircraft

Three arresting cables can stop a 28-ton aircraft going 150 miles per hour in less than 400 feet

Size

Towers 20 stories above the waterline

1092 feet long; nearly as long as the Empire State Building is tall

Flight deck covers 4.5 acres

4 bronze propellers, each 21 feet across, weighing 66,200 pounds

2 rudders, each 29 by 22 feet and weighing 50 tons

4 high speed aircraft elevators, each over 4,000 square feet

Dates

Dec. 8, 1994 Contract awarded to Newport News Shipbuilding

Feb 12, 1998 Keel laid

Oct 1, 2000 Pre-commissioning Unit established

March 4, 2001 Christened by Mrs. Nancy Reagan

May 5, 2003 First underway

July 12, 2003 Commissioned

July 23, 2004 Arrived at homeport in San Diego, CA

Capacity

Home to about 6,000 Navy personnel

Carries enough food and supplies to operate for 90 days

18,150 meals served daily

Distillation plants provide 400,000 gallons of fresh water from sea water daily, enough for 2000 homes

Nearly 30,000 light fixtures and 1,325 miles of cable and wiring 1,400 telephones, 14,000 pillowcases and 28,000 sheets

Costs the Navy approximately $250,000 per day for pier side operation

Costs the Navy approximately $2.5 million per day for underway operations (Sailor's salaries included).

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20060831 KDDC Why go negative?

Why go negative?

The Carroll County primary election is less than two weeks away and it could not come too soon for many of us.

Reading the letters to the editor has especially become painful for us who follow government and politics closely – and know better. To read letters in which misinformation, misleading information, personal attacks, puffed-up naiveté and a total lack of understanding for how government works for the particular office in which this or that challenger seeks, has been disillusioning.

And the specter of good people with good ideas and thoughtful approaches – going negative is just bewildering. It is as if they have lost their minds for the duration of the campaign?

My column in The Tentacle for this week is called, “Why go negative?” It just scratches at the surface of how this primary election has been so painful.

I, for one, have heard very little in the way of a substantive discussion of the issues or new ideas. I have heard much about how much certain folks are clueless and don’t like this or that candidate.

And perhaps competing for the worse affront is how folks demonize opponents personally simply because they disagree with them on certain issues.

Most of the time, the folks who are demonizing are the very ones who plead for respect for their ideas and approaches.

What amazes me are the folks slinging the mud, who after the elections will still have to work with their opponent in some way, shape or form. No matter how professional – or religious someone is, folks have memories.

I know my motto has always been: “To forgive is divine; to forget is not my policy.”

Memo to the many folks running for office this fall: There is only one species on the planet that has a better memory than an elephant and that is a politician.

Meanwhile some of the choices we need to make in the voting booth September 12th, 2006 are difficult. I, for one, may make it easier by simply choosing only the folks who have not gone negative.

The last thing I need is an angry outraged community leader with the warmth and humanity of a water moccasin - to take challenges to in the future.

Anyway the cleaned-up version of my Tentacle column that went to press yesterday, Wednesday, August 30th, 2006 is “Why go negative?”

August 30, 2006

Why go negative?

Kevin E. Dayhoff

The election season is upon us and - like a horde of ravaging locusts - the negative campaigners are out in full force this cycle. Why?

As the public clamors to hear a discussion on the issues - growth management, infrastructure and school improvement, public safety, taxes and the scope and structure of government - some candidates and their rabid supporters instead sport t-shirts that scream "I've got issues."

Selective quotations and trivialities trumping substance in an obvious attempt to distort the facts seem to be the rule of the day.

And it is always a source of amazement to observe folks who, in the same utterance, plead for understanding and tolerance for their views and then demonize anyone who doesn't agree with them.

A rule among classier community leaders prohibits promoting oneself by personally sniping at someone who holds a different point of view. It is not only bad form but smacks of bullying and could wind up hurting your own cause, as you only look like someone with the warmth and humanity of a water moccasin.

Read the rest of it here.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA. E-mail him at:kdayhoff@carr.org

www.thetentacle.com

Westminster Eagle Opinion and

Winchester Report

www.thewestminstereagle.com

www.kevindayhoff.com

20060831 KDDC Clueless Idiot steals purse quickly arrested

Clueless Idiot steals purse quickly arrested

On Wednesday, August 30^th, 2006, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department arrested a clueless idiot “less than twelve (12) hours after he stole a purse from a private residence in the 400 BLK of Sycamore Avenue Westminster.”

Apparently the Sheriff’s Department acted quickly and used good police work before the clueless idiot was able to further unnecessarily disrupt the life of Michelle Jefferson, a candidate for the Maryland Senate in District 5, Baltimore and Carroll Counties.

What was going through this guy’s head that he thought that he could get away with this sort of crime?

Although Carroll County has relatively low crime rate, anecdotally, these “quality of life” crimes seem to be on the upswing and they are a real drag.

I often keep a fire and police monitor on in my office while I work and listen to the radio as police officers run from one end of the county to the other, just chasing down random acts of stupidity.

All the agencies: the Westminster Police Department, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department and the Maryland State Police are conscientious, diligent, thoughtful, professional – and very very busy. We should all be proud. But I sure wish they had less to do.

Now, just weeks before the primary, Ms. Jefferson has to go through all this hassle because of a down-and-out creep.

No word as to whether or not the individual will also be charged with being a clueless idiot while committing a crime.

Pasted below is the news release from the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department:

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Sergeant Phil Kasten, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, 100 North Court Street, Westminster, MD 21157 410-386-2759

“Burglar uses victim’s credit card; deputies follow purchases to arrest”

Westminster, Carroll County, Maryland, August 30, 2006 ---- At approximately 7:30 pm, Carroll County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested James Louis Agans aged 26 of the 1300 BLK Redfield Drive in Sykesville after revisiting a local convenience store where he had used a stolen credit card earlier in the day.

Agans arrest came less than twelve (12) hours after he stole a purse from a private residence in the 400 BLK of Sycamore Avenue Westminster. Before his arrest, Agans used the victim’s credit cards to make nearly $1000 worth of purchases for gas, cigarettes and power tools.

The purse, which belonged to Michelle Jefferson, a Westminster resident and local political candidate for the Maryland State Senate District Five, noticed that the purse was missing from her home around noon.

Jefferson immediately notified her bank, where she learned that her personal and campaign credit cards had already been used locally several times. She then notified Police, and Corporal Carlos Bustos of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office began to work with local businesses to identify Agans, and predict his next move.

With their help, Corporal Bustos apprehended Agans as he attempted to leave a local business where he was recognized.

Consequently, Agans was transported to Carroll County Central Booking where he was charged with Burglary, Theft, Fraudulent use of a Credit Card and Possession of look-alike Crack Cocaine and associated drug paraphernalia.

Following a bail review before the District Court Commissioner, Agans was held at the Carroll County Detention Center on $50,000 Bail.

Sheriff’s Deputies recovered the victim’s purse and personal belongs.

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20060831 KDDC Farrah Fawcett Angel for the ages

Farrah Fawcett - Angel for the ages

On August 29, 2006, Sun Reporter Rob Hiaasen, wrote a piece in the Baltimore Sun that captured my eye.

I must admit that the cultural phenomena of Farrah Fawcett came after I had attended Elon College (1971-1972 no degree,) so I never had her pin-up in my dorm room. I had Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Alvin Lee, The Almond Brothers Band and the like in my dorm room.

Hollywood types have never really been my heroes, not that the likes of Hendrix, Bowie et al were – I was and still am today – into music more than Hollywood…

Never-the-less, I am fascinated by Mr. Hiaasen’s presentation of Ms. Fawcett as a cultural icon of the 1970s:

A young publicity photographer shows up on Mulholland Drive with his '37 Chevy truck and Nikon-F reflex camera to shoot pictures of an angel in a rusty red swimsuit. She chose a one-piece. When she smiles, 32 teeth radiate at an inviting angle. When she tilts her head, flips of hair gather on her tan shoulders - a look that would launch a hairstyle fad for a generation.

In the time after Betty Grable's World War II pinups and Marilyn Monroe, before the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue mania and Pamela Anderson, the original swimsuit poster of Farrah Fawcett ruled gym lockers, offices and bedrooms.

Could you pass a guy's college dorm room in the 1970s and not see it?

Whatever.

You can read Mr. Hiaasen’s article here.

Hollywood

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20060831 KDDC So just what is Frederick Commissioner Lennie Thompson for?

So just what is Frederick Commissioner Lennie Thompson for?

Writing in The Tentacle, columnist Roy Meachum asks the question: What is Frederick County Commissioner John "Lennie" Thompson for? We certainly “get it” by now that he is opposed to growth and development in Frederick County. But what is he for?

Which brings to mind a combination of words that really resonated with me; John P. Snyder, also writing in The Tentacle wrote a piece on August 24^th, 2006 entitled, “Election Year Over/Unders;” in which he said: “385. The number of times Kai Hagen, this year's Ron Sundergill, will blame "the developers" as some sinister enemy of all Frederick county residents. Developers are merely the conduit between the demand and the people, fueled by government policy that regards home ownership as a good thing and families that want a nice place to live. Ditto Lennie Thompson.” (my emphasis)

Anyone familiar with my writing is aware that I have also had enough of the houses - the congestion and the erosion of our quality of life, but any conversation that personally demonizes real estate professionals and developers is a non-starter with me.

Developers only follow the laws as set forth by government and if folks don’t want the empty, non-productive farm to be developed, then don’t zone it in a manner in which it can be developed.

Or – better yet, work hard to promote the vibrant sustainability of agriculture in the county so the farm will continue to be more valuable than a development.

You cannot take someone’s property rights by plebiscite.

If you want to maintain the beautiful view from your house, then purchase the property and maintain the view yourself - for the greater benefit of the community.

We certainly have this dynamic in Carroll County and it just leaves me cold. Folks that have moved into the community and they are now against everything.

Although I have met Commissioner Thompson on several occasions, I do not know him. The several times I had a chance to speak with him, he was certainly pleasant. However, Mr. Meachum asks questions for Frederick County voters…

Mr. Meachum begins his column by saying:

“No politician in the past 20 years has more clearly established what he is against. John "Lennie" Thompson opposes growth. He considers all developers devils incarnate.

Not without exception.

Together with fellow Commissioner Jan Gardner he urges voters to elect again David Gray, although Mr. Gray is himself a developer. The former board president does not deny he subdivided and sold property to build new houses. He quibbles only over details that cannot be proved, either way, by him or his critics.”

Please find the rest of the column here: “What’s Lennie for?”

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20060831 KDDC Farrah Fawcett Angel for the ages

Farrah Fawcett - Angel for the ages

On August 29, 2006, Sun Reporter Rob Hiaasen, wrote a piece in the Baltimore Sun that captured my eye.

I must admit that the cultural phenomena of Farrah Fawcett came after I had attended Elon College (1971-1972 no degree,) so I never had her pin-up in my dorm room. I had Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Alvin Lee, The Almond Brothers Band and the like in my dorm room.

I have heard that Hampstead Mayor Haven Q. Shoemaker definitely had a poster of Ms. Fawcett in his room...

Hollywood types have never really been my heroes, not that the likes of Hendrix, Bowie et al were – I was and still am today – into music more than Hollywood…

Never-the-less, I am fascinated by Mr. Hiaasen’s presentation of Ms. Fawcett as a cultural icon of the 1970s:

A young publicity photographer shows up on Mulholland Drive with his '37 Chevy truck and Nikon-F reflex camera to shoot pictures of an angel in a rusty red swimsuit. She chose a one-piece. When she smiles, 32 teeth radiate at an inviting angle. When she tilts her head, flips of hair gather on her tan shoulders - a look that would launch a hairstyle fad for a generation.

In the time after Betty Grable's World War II pinups and Marilyn Monroe, before the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue mania and Pamela Anderson, the original swimsuit poster of Farrah Fawcett ruled gym lockers, offices and bedrooms.

Could you pass a guy's college dorm room in the 1970s and not see it?

Whatever.

You can read Mr. Hiaasen’s article here.

Hollywood

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