Dayhoff Soundtrack

Saturday, October 28, 2006

20061027 The following scene took place on a BA flight

The following scene took place on a BA flight

Posted October 28^th, 2006

Pasted below is an email that was sent to me by my good friend, “Analog.” Thanks

This is one of the many e-mails that I receive – and perhaps you receive… Time and merit certainly does not enable me to post that many of them, however, this one really struck me. Please read it and enjoy.

The following scene took place on a BA flight between Johannesburg and London.

This is a true story.

A White woman, about 50 years old, was seated next to a Black man.

Obviously disturbed by this, she called the air Hostess.

"Madam, what is the matter," the Hostess asked.

"You obviously do not see it then?" she responded. "You placed me next to a Black man. I do not agree to sit next to someone from such a repugnant group. Give me an alternative seat."

"Be calm please, " the Hostess replied. "Almost all the places on this flight are taken. I will go to see if another seat is available."

The Hostess went away and then came back a few minutes later.

"Madam, just as I thought, there are no other available seats in the Economy class. I spoke to the Captain and he informed me that there is also no seats in the Business class. All the same, we still have one seat in the First class."

Before the woman could say anything, the Hostess continued: "It is not usual for our company to permit someone from the Economy class to sit in the First class. However, given the circumstances, the Captain feels that it would be scandalous to make someone sit next to someone so disgusting."

She turned to the Black guy, and said, "Therefore, Sir, if you would like to, please collect your hand luggage, a seat awaits you in First class."

At that moment, the other passengers who were shocked by what they had just witnessed stood up and applauded.

####

20061028 With One Voice Benefit for CC Safe House

With One Voice Benefit for CC Safe House

With One Voice: An Evening of Fine Music November 4^th, 2006 for the benefit of Carroll County Domestic Violence Safe House

Posted Saturday, October 28^th, 2006

The subject of domestic violence, this benefit concert and the unfortunate reasons as to why we need such a Safe House in Carroll will be the focus of my next Westminster Eagle column - - that should’ve been finished by now but it isn’t…

One of the last times I wrote on this subject was February 2nd, 2005, when I was writing a column for the Westminster Advocate.

(That was in the days when Jamie Kelly was my editor. I’ve been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with many talented editors – he is one of the best. Go here and laugh: “20060622 A picture suggestion for Jamie Kelly.”) The Advocate website does not have that column on the site – so go here to read it: “20050202 WA Domestic Violence A Civil Society begins at Home.”

_____

This musical and choral extravaganza will take place at the magnificent St. John Catholic Church in Westminster.

All proceeds will benefit the Carroll County Domestic Violence Safe House. Please join us for an evening you will not soon forget.

Enjoy performances by:

• Children's Chorus of Carroll County

• Masterworks Chorale

• McDaniel Gospel Choir

• McDaniel Madigrals

• Old Line Statesmen Barber Shop Chorus

• Westminster Trombone Choir

When & Where

Tickets

Saturday, November 4, 2006 7:30 p.m.

St. John Catholic Church
43 Monroe Street
Westminster, Maryland 21157

Adults $20 and Children 16 and under $10 Tickets are tax deductible

Purchase tickets:
Carroll County Arts Council
Coffey Music
New Windsor Bank branches
Optics Limited
Stu's Music

For more information, please call 410-876-1233

20061027 Is Gansler Qualified?

Is Gansler Qualified?

October 27, 2006

I’m no sure what to make of the flap that recently came to the surface as to whether or not the Democratic candidate for the Office of Attorney General, Doug Gansler is eligible for the office for which he seeks.

I am aware of one thing, if Mr. Gansler and the Democratic candidate for Maryland Comptroller, Peter Franchot both win, buy stock in any company that makes microphones, grandstands and air conditioners, because there will no end to the hot air grandstanding of these two folks.

Talk about self-love, these two fell madly in love with themselves at birth and it is a passion to which they have always remained faithful. It will be unbearable.

For more information along these lines, please read Barry Rascovar’s column from November 18th, 2005: “‘Democrat,’ according to Peter Franchot,” and my post: “20061016 The Examiner Editorial Franchot’s empty gesture.”

Mr. Rascovar’s column begins, “The way Peter V.R. Franchot sees it, Annapolis consists of good Democrats, who fight for truth, justice and the American way, and everybody else. These other politicians belong to Franchot’s Evil Empire and represent the forces of greed, injustice and cruelty.”

And then it gets better and better and better. Please read it to get an idea as to how quickly we will miss William Donald Schaefer’s responsible approach to government and public service. Yeah, I know darn well what I just wrote…

And wait until you read, “20061016 The Examiner Editorial Franchot’s empty gesture.”

But to go from the frying pan to the fire - - getting back to Mr. Gansler; as I was researching the issue, I came across Attila’s Pillage Idiot October 25th, 2006 post: “Doug Gansler at the bar.”

The top of his post begins:

“I've had my share of fun with Doug Gansler, the Montgomery County State's Attorney, now running for Attorney General of Maryland. But who knows what to make of this latest allegation that he is ineligible to serve as Attorney General, because he hasn't practiced law in Maryland for the requisite 10 years?...”

He then suggests, “Stephanie Dray, our newest member of the Maryland Blogger Alliance, brings you the basic details of the controversy…”

And - - he ends his post with, “For more background, see the MoCoPolitics blog, which sees a real problem for Gansler, even though the writer supports him.”

Be sure to read the entire Pillage Idiot post: “Doug Gansler at the bar” and review Stephanie Dray’s basic details for some grounding on the issues involved.

When ya go to Jousting for Justice’s post on Gansler matter, be sure to take time to read the comments. (Ms. Dray has a great blog!)

After I read Attila’s and Ms. Drays’ post, I stopped researching it as they covered it well.

If you have the delirium tremors for more info read the Washington Post’s October 25^th, 2006 article, “At Debate, Rolle Questions Gansler's Eligibility for Office,” by Steve Vogel. He concludes with what many see is the bottom line:

“…Dan Friedman, a state constitution expert at the University of Maryland School of Law, said in an interview last month that Gansler's credentials should meet the standard. "Bar membership should be a sufficient indicator that a candidate has practiced law in the state," Friedman said. "Therefore, Gansler would be constitutionally eligible."”

Bruce Godfrey over at Crablaw, seems to agree. I’d say that between Stephanie Dray and Bruce Godfrey, they have it nailed.

Perhaps in the future, such issues ought to be adjudicated by a special panel of the Maryland Blogger Alliance and we’d get things back on track and save the taxpayer a great deal of money to boot.

To add some seasoning to the saga, read Phyllis Jordan’s October 26, 2006 post in Maryland Moment, “Gansler Gets Perez Treatment.”

And finally, a colleague who is a legal and constitutional expert, briefed me on this issue with this information from October 25^th, 2006:

Is Gansler Qualified?

Democrat Attorney General candidate Doug Gansler faced tough questions in a court hearing today challenging whether he has the required 10 years experience in the practice of law in Maryland as required by the Maryland Constitution.

Last month, the Court of Appeals ruled that another Democrat candidate, Tom Perez, did not meet the constitutional standard and his candidacy was disqualified.

The hearing was scheduled for the morning, but Gansler did not post - so Judge Silkworth would not conduct the hearing unless Gansler was present.

The court reconvened at 1:30 but appeared unimpressed with Gansler who was not specific about his “practice” in Maryland in the years prior to his serving as state’s attorney and did not cite any Maryland cases or clients prior to the eight years that he served as State’s Attorney in Montgomery County.

The issue could end up before the Governor because the Maryland Constitution (Art. V, § 2) gives the Governor the duty to decide on the election and qualifications of the candidate who wins the Attorney General’s race.

(In fact, there is an 1875 case - 43 Md. 572 – in which the losing candidate contested the AG race before the Governor due to widespread voter fraud, intimidation and violence in the City of Baltimore.)

The Judge is expected to rule in the next few days. ####

At this point, in regards to this year’s Maryland General Assembly and elections; I think that we are all trapped in a Lewis Carroll novel, being read by Hunter S. Thompson and danced to by Timothy Leary.

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 has moved to http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

Friday, October 27, 2006

20061026 Howard County Times endorsement of Governor Ehrlich

Howard County Times endorsement of Governor Ehrlich

http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?pnpID=573&NewsID=757970&CategoryID=5798&show=localnews&om=1

Return incumbents to legislature 10/26/06 ENDORSEMENTS

Governor

In 2002, this newspaper gave a tepid endorsement of Robert Ehrlich for governor.

After observing him in office for the last four years, we have seen a governor who has been willing to take on the Annapolis establishment.

He has provided a good check on the unbridled power of the Democratic leadership of the General Assembly, particularly Senate President Mike Miller.

For this alone, Ehrlich receives our solid endorsement this time around. But we have more reasons to like Ehrlich.

Ehrlich, the first Republican to win the office in nearly 40 years, has been a good fiscal steward, with the state going from a $4 billion deficit at the time he took office to a current $2 billion surplus. Add to this an unemployment rate which is one of the best in the country.

Ehrlich has picked up the slack on neglected transportation projects, including the widening of Route 32 in Howard County.

His opponent, Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley, has waged an aggressive campaign to put the governor's mansion back in Democratic hands, noting the partisan rancor that has dominated Annapolis under the Republican incumbent.

We agree with O'Malley that the tone hasn't been civilized. And Ehrlich isn't immune from taking part in it. But to place the blame for it at the feet of Ehrlich is simply not fair.

O'Malley certainly brings more to the table than the Democrats did last election when they ran Kathleen Kennedy Townsend.

But where Ehrlich has set forth a clear agenda, O'Malley seems content to lob criticism and speak in lofty generalities while offering little in the way of concrete solutions to Maryland's issues.

We think Ehrlich is better prepared and a better choice for governor.

####

20061027 AK Rep gubernatorial candidate Palin on creationism

Alaska Republican gubernatorial candidate Palin on creationism:
Teach both

October 27th, 2006

The Anchorage Daily News is carrying the story today that Republican Alaskan gubernatorial candidate Sarah Palin responded to a question at the recent KAKM Alaskan Public Television debate on teaching “creationism” in the classroom: "Teach both. You know, don't be afraid of information. Healthy debate is so important, and it's so valuable in our schools. I am a proponent of teaching both."

The top of the story is pasted below.

PS: I loved the little secular editorialization right from the get-go, “The volatile issue of teaching creation science in public…” (my emphasis on “volatile.”) I’m curious; what is the criterion for determining that “creationism” is “volatile?”

Was there a fire extinguisher available of a firefighter nearby when the subject came up?

The article goes on to say:

“In an interview Thursday, Palin said she meant only to say that discussion of alternative views should be allowed to arise in Alaska classrooms:

"I don't think there should be a prohibition against debate if it comes up in class. It doesn't have to be part of the curriculum."

She added that, if elected, she would not push the state Board of Education to add such creation-based alternatives to the state's required curriculum.

Members of the state school board, which sets minimum requirements, are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Legislature.

"I won't have religion as a litmus test, or anybody's personal opinion on evolution or creationism," Palin said.

Palin has occasionally discussed her lifelong Christian faith during the governor's race but said teaching creationism is nothing she has campaigned about or even given much thought to.”

'Creation science' enters the race

GOVERNOR: Palin is only candidate to suggest it should be discussed in schools.

http://www.adn.com/news/politics/elections/story/8347904p-8243554c.html

By TOM KIZZIA, Anchorage Daily News, (Published: October 27, 2006)

The volatile issue of teaching creation science in public schools popped up in the Alaska governor's race this week when Republican Sarah Palin said she thinks creationism should be taught alongside evolution in the state's public classrooms.

Palin was answering a question from the moderator near the conclusion of Wednesday night's televised debate on KAKM Channel 7 when she said, "Teach both. You know, don't be afraid of information. Healthy debate is so important, and it's so valuable in our schools. I am a proponent of teaching both."

Her main opponents, Democrat Tony Knowles and Independent Andrew Halcro, said such alternatives to evolution should be kept out of science classrooms. Halcro called such lessons "religious-based" and said the place for them might be a philosophy or sociology class.

Read the rest of the article here.

The end of the on-line version of the article included:

• HALCRO: "I think anything that is religious-based in, in concept, you know, really should, needs to be taught in the proper channel -- philosophy, sociology. I don't think it should be taught as a science."

• KNOWLES: "... The answer is no. The reason why is we don't want politics in our science. We actually want more science in our politics. We don't want to just teach all things because it may be politically correct. We want to teach the best science there is, and there is overwhelming evidence, there's almost incontrovertible evidence that evolution is the science that, that we know. And that's what we should always teach, to never compromise on the principles just because it's politically popular."

• PALIN: "Teach both. You know, don't be afraid of information. "Healthy debate is so important and it's so valuable in our schools. I am a proponent of teaching both. And you know, I say this too as the daughter of a science teacher. Growing up with being so privileged and blessed to be given a lot of information on, on both sides of the subject -- creationism and evolution. It's been a healthy foundation for me. But don't be afraid of information and let kids debate both sides."

THE BLOG: Speak out on the issues.

www.adn.com/thetrail

ELECTION: Look at past stories and find links to Web sites.

www.adn.com/elections

####

20061026 A Tribute to NAACP past President Mrs Mac

A Tribute to NAACP past President “Mrs. Mac”

October 26^th, 2006

It is important that we take a moment to remember those who have gone before us and worked hard and made great sacrifices yesterday to make our world a better place today.

On October 24^th, 2006 NAACP past President Enolia Pettigen McMillan passed away at 102 years young. Her leadership will be missed. Her legacy will live on.

According to the NAACP website:

Association ‘Royalty’ Passes, Leaving Legacy of Service & Achievement

http://www.naacp.org/news/press/2006-10-25/

Oct. 25, 2006

Enolia Pettigen McMillan, a long-time NAACP national leader and civil rights matriarch, died of natural causes yesterday, exactly one year after the death of Rosa Parks. McMillan was the NAACP’s first female national president, the Baltimore City branch’s president for 15 years and was active in causes for more than 50 years. At 102, she joined friends and family in celebrating her birthday just last Friday.

A 1927 graduate of Howard University, McMillan received a degree in education and began fighting for equal pay for black teachers and better schools for black students while working in Caroline County, MD. Shortly thereafter she would become a high school principal in Charles County, MD.

By 1935 she had earned a master’s degree from Columbia University and was teaching in Baltimore where she reactivated the city’s NAACP branch. In 1954 she was among the first black teachers assigned to a formally all-white school when segregation was outlawed.

An avid fundraiser for the Association, McMillan developed the much coveted ‘I gave’ buttons still worn by some members today. She sold the lapel pins for $1, raising $150,000 to help finance the Association’s move from New York to Baltimore in 1986. And she personally sold hundreds, if not thousands, of NAACP memberships.

“If there is such thing as NAACP royalty, Enolia McMillan would be it,” NAACP President & CEO Bruce S. Gordon. “Her great contributions will be missed but they live on. We have love and appreciation for her work and legacy and pledge to continue the fighting spirit she possessed.”

In 1984 she was voted NAACP National President and chosen President Emeritus by the Board of Directors in October 2005.

“She demonstrated that civil rights activism could be a lifetime’s pre-occupation,” said NAACP Board of Directors Chairman Julian Bond. “She was a gracious lady and will be sorely missed.”

McMillan, listed in the Maryland State Archives’ Women's Hall of Fame, stayed active in civil rights well into her life, leading a protest against South Africa's apartheid system in front of the country's embassy in Washington in 1985.

“In the course of her 102 years she was a shining link in the chain of character and integrity expressed by countless black women,” said NAACP Board of Directors Vice Chair Roslyn M. Brock. “As a member of the first generation of her family to be born free, she was determined to make a difference and her unceasing fight for freedom and equality is a graphic testament to that fact.”

‘Mrs. Mac’ as she was affectionately known was the 7th President of the NAACP holding office from 1984 to 1989. Prior to her election she had been a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors since 1976 while concurrently serving as President of the Baltimore City Branch.

Flags at the NAACP headquarters are flying at half staff in McMillan’s honor. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that contributions be made to the Enolia P. McMillan Endowed Scholarship Fund at Morgan State University.

####

Thursday, October 26, 2006

20061026 Blogospheric recognition from George Washington’s IPDI

Blogospheric recognition from George Washington University’s “Institute for Politics, Democracy and the Internet”

» WHO'S BLOGGING THE 2006 MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA ELECTIONS?

October 26^th, 2006

THANKS! IPDI!

Grazing through my fellow Maryland Blogger Alliance member’s web sites yesterday, I noticed a post by my colleague Bruce Godfrey at Crablaw’s Maryland Weekly that caught my attention.

He wrote in a post titled “Congratulations to Maryland Blogger Alliance Member Kevin Dayhoff” :

“Maryland Blogger Alliance member Kevin Dayhoff was recognized by the Institute for Politics, Democracy and the Internet for his coverage of the Maryland elections as a "must read" - I concur totally. Congrats, Kevin! posted by Bruce Godfrey at 10/24/2006 03:08:00 AM PERMALINK”

Holy Cow! That’s me.

Thanks a bunch Mr. Godfrey for calling it to my attention.

What an honor, especially since I look up to my colleagues with the Maryland Bloggers Alliance for what a great job they all do.

And it was not lost on me; after I followed the links graciously provided by Crablaw, that another MBA member, Free State Politics was also recognized. Congratulations.

So I humbly accept the recognition on behalf of all my colleagues with the Maryland Blogger Alliance and all the bloggers out there who slave away for long hours trying to make a difference and a contribution to our greater community by promoting facts and information, discussion and dialogue.

I am well aware of Dave Wissing’s excellent work at the Hedgehog Report. For all political junkies who appreciate numbers and commentary, there is no one better. And the work that the “Gang of Four” are doing with the elections in Howard County is cutting edge.

I finally had a chance this afternoon to take a cruise of all the sites and it is an impressive compendium of work. I got lots of value going through the Virginia bloggers’ sites and I recommend that you also find the time for that virtual cruise.

Congratulations to everyone who made the list.

Anyway, Here’s the skinny:

George Washington University’s “Institute for Politics, Democracy and the Internet” top 12 Maryland and Virginia political blogs.

» WHO'S BLOGGING THE 2006 MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA ELECTIONS?

Labor Day marks the official start of the political season, and the Institute has turned its attention to local and state races. This month, we look at who's blogging about Maryland and Virginia politics.

Below is our shortlist of six must-read blogs in Maryland and six in Virginia:

Maryland

Free State Politics – http://freestatepolitics.blogspot.com/
Montgomery Public Schools – http://montgomerypublicschools.blogspot.com/
Maryland Politics Now – http://www.mdpoliticsnow.com/?cat=1
The Hedgehog Report – http://www.hedgehogreport.com/
Blog Arundel – http://arundel.blogspot.com/
Kevin Dayhoff – http://www.kevindayhoff.com/

Virginia

Not Larry Sabato – http://notlarrysabato.typepad.com/
Raising Kaine – http://www.raisingkaine.com/frontPage.do
Commonwealth Conservative – http://www.vaconservative.com/
The Virginia Progressive – http://vaprogressive.com/
Two Conservatives – http://twoconservatives.blogspot.com/
Skeptical Observer – http://skepticalobservor.blogspot.com/

LEARN MORE and view our complete list HERE.

Whoa. Okay, talk with ya later. I’ve now gotta take out the trash, get dinner ready for my wife and do the dishes.

PS: Also please see:

Thanks to George Washington University’s Institute for Politics,…

Internet Accolade

20061025 Who is blogging Virginia politics

Who is blogging Virginia politics

October 25, 2006

I’ve been looking for some analysis on the Senator Allen vs. Jim Webb Virginia Senatorial race and I came across a column post by ”Not Gretchen Bulova” on “Not Larry Sabato.” It would appear after a quick glance that “Not Larry Sabato” supports Mr. Webb. Whatever.

Exploring the Who's Blogging The 2006 Maryland And Virginia Elections? list a little further I found some conservative commentary on “Commonwealth Conservative - by the CA in Wise County, Virginia.”

“Two Conservatives - Two Prince William Conservatives posting about Virginia Politics” was a great read – and closer geographically (if not politically) to some other family members…

Okay, Okay – time out. First things first. I want to be sure to congratulate all my blogger colleagues in Virginia who were one of the top must-read blogs in Virginia, according to George Washington University’s “Institute for Politics, Democracy and the Internet”

I have family in Virginia and spend quite a bit of time in that great state and I’ve been looking for some Virginia blogs - from all points of view.

Please see: Who's Blogging The 2006 Maryland And Virginia Elections?

The rest of the Virginia blogs mentioned by George Washington University’s “Institute for Politics, Democracy and the Internet” are:

Virginia

LEARN MORE and view our complete list HERE.

I spent a good bit of time grazing the Virginia blog sites and learned a great deal. I spent a week down at Williamsburg recently and I came home with more questions than answers about Virginia politics. I must add, that I was quite surprised at the level of unpleasantness in the TV ads. I thought that Maryland had a lock on unpleasant politics.

My Maryland colleagues would get value out of also grazing the Virginia sites to see how remarkable it is that the geography and names may be different, but politics in this mid-term election seem just as unpleasant and contentious, no matter where you live and work…

I was happy to read several posts by “Not Larry Sabato” that called for civility.

Keep up the good work.

20061026 ScrappleFace strikes again

ScrappleFace strikes again

October 26^th, 2006

Michael J. Embryo

I’ve been avoiding the Michael J. Fox controversy in regards to yet another Hollywood-type getting involved with politics.

Hollywood limousine liberals getting involved in politics is not one of my favorite things - - see: “20061015 Streisand performed last Friday at Verizon Center in DC” and “20061010 Streisand goes emo at Madison Square Garden concert.” Or see my Tentacle column from October 18th, 2006, “Barbra! Shut Up and Sing.”

For a great commentary for politicians pandering a hope for a cure…; please read: Charles Krauthammer’s column from October 15^th, 2004. It appeared on page A23 of the Washington Post: “An Edwards Outrage.”

I have no interest in criticizing Mr. Fox personally. For that matter, I have no interest in criticizing anyone personally. He has Parkinson’s and to be certain it is a terrible disease – so he certainly has some legitimacy, for me anyway, to speak out on the issues. He remains in my prayers, not only in a hope for a cure, but that he personally is able to lead as productive life as possible with this dreaded disease.

Nevertheless, ScrappleFace has chosen to weigh-in on the issue with a post on YouTube: “Serious parody of Michael J. Fox ad for Democrat Claire McCaskill promoting stem cell research and opposing Sen. Jim Talent. Produced by Scott Ott, editor, ScrappleFace.com.”

It can be found here.

Hat Tip: Michelle Malkin.

Of course, most Hollywood-types are so thin-skinned. They wish to weigh-in on issues and then get all huffy when someone has the audacity to respond.

I guess I choose not to respond as I respect the fact that Mr. Fox has the disease and I reckon, if I, or a loved one, or a close friend had the disease. I certainly hope that they would take every responsible opportunity to lobby for a cure.

READ my Tentacle column from August 31, 2005: “Respect for Conscience.” The column begins with:

“U. S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R., TN) is currently the target of an advertising campaign in Iowa criticizing him for voting his conscience and backing expanded embryonic stem cell research.

If you will recall Senator Frist, took to the Senate floor and delivered a thoughtful statement detailing his support for legislation to remove some of the Bush administration's limitations on embryonic stem cell research.

This angered many social conservatives.

Senator Frist is a heart-lung transplant surgeon who opposes abortion. He has been widely suggested as a presidential candidate in 2008.

A bill to ease stem cell restrictions passed the House of Representatives in May and Senate approval is expected after Labor Day even in the face of President Bush's veto threat.

The president's reaction: "You've got to vote your conscience." Many who desperately want a civil, reasoned and intelligent debate on important issues in our lives have applauded the president's reaction and have respected Senator Frist's differing views.”

Read the rest here.

The challenge with respect to the Maryland ads is that Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele’s position has been misrepresented.

No. Can’t be. Say it ain’t so.

Well so.

Read the following press release from the Steele campaign:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 24, 2006

CONTACT: Melissa Sellers, Doug Heye

443-481-0650, 443-603-1288

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT:

Cardin Voted Against Stem Cell Research for Pure Political Gain

TEMPLE HILLS, MD – Today, Michael Steele released the following statement setting the record straight on stem cell research:

Michael Steele said, “There is only one candidate in this race who voted against stem cell research and it’s Congressman Ben Cardin. Ben Cardin had a chance to support stem cell research that would not destroy human embryos, and he voted against it – not because of his beliefs on the issue, but as a transparent political stunt. Both Senators Barbara Mikulski and Paul Sarbanes voted for this legislation. Ben Cardin wanted to politicize the issue instead of getting something done, so he voted against it. Marylanders deserve better than Congressman Cardin’s continued Washington double-talk, mistruths and sheer political gamesmanship on an issue as important as stem cell research.”

On September 2, 2006, the Frederick News Post reported: “[Cardin] opposes suggestions that stem cell research is acceptable if the embryo isn't destroyed. (Liam Farrell, “Pursuing Change,” Frederick News Post, September 2, 2006)

Michael Steele added, “I am an enthusiastic supporter of cord blood, adult stem cell and embryonic stem cell research that does not destroy the embryo, and I fully support expanding innovations in technology that make it possible to treat and prevent disease without the willful destruction of human embryos.”

Cardin Voted AGAINST Expanded Research On Stem Cells That Do Not Destroy Embryos.

Alternate Stem Cell Research Methods – Passage. “Barton, R-Texas, motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill that would require the National Institutes of Health to conduct and support research on the isolation, derivation and production of pluripotent stem cells that do not destroy human embryos. It would require the Health and Human Services secretary to issue final guidelines for additional stem cell research, with priority for research with the greatest potential to yield benefits in the near future, within 90 days of the bill's enactment.” (S. 2754, CQ Vote #380: Motion rejected. July 18, 2006, Cardin voted Nay)

The Senate Voted Unanimously To Pass the Same Bill that Cardin voted AGAINST. Both Senators Mikulski and Sarbanes Voted In Favor Of The Bill.

Alternate Stem Cell Research Methods – Passage. Passage of the bill that would require the National Institutes of Health to conduct and support research to develop techniques for the isolation, derivation and production of pluripotent stem cells that do not destroy human embryos. It would require the Health and Human Services secretary to issue final guidelines for additional stem cell research, including a prioritization of research with the greatest potential to yield benefits in the near future, within 90 days of the bill's enactment.” (S. 2754, CQ Vote #205: July 18, 2006, Sarbanes voted Yea; Mikulski voted Yea)

####

Of course, a little civility would go a long way before we start playing politics with the hope for a cure… q.v.: “Ben Cardin to cure cancer.” For other posts pertaining to the Steele – Cardin campaign, see: “20060701 Spin slander distort and repeat” and “20060915 Democratic National Party reserves $1Million in Steele attack ads."

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA. E-mail him at: kdayhoff AT carr.org http://www.thetentacle.com/ Westminster Eagle Opinion and Winchester Report http://www.thewestminstereagle.com/ www.kevindayhoff.com has moved to http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

20061025 A parody of President Bush saluting Randall Duke Cunningham

A parody of President Bush saluting Randall Duke Cunningham

Look - - before anyone even views the video, I will say right up front that I usually do not enjoy items such as this that skewer the president. However, I do enjoy shows such as the “Capitol Steps”… and it is their work of which this video reminded me.

“A rising tide drowns all boats.”

I laughed at the video for which I am about to call to your attention. It’s a little over the top and I certainly am conflicted on Vietnam ace Duke Cunningham.

I recognize and admire his service to our country, but something happened on his way to the Capitol and he is now serving time in prison. To be candid, his offences were so egregious that I have often wondered why he didn’t plead guilty by reason of insanity. His crimes were insane. No sane person could’ve ever thought that would get away from the blatant manner in which he betrayed our trust and took bribes…

To refresh my memory - and yours; according to Wikipedia, “Randall Harold "Duke" Cunningham (born December 8, 1941), usually known as Randy or Duke, is a Vietnam veteran and a former Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from California's 50th Congressional District from 1991 to 2005.

Cunningham resigned from the House on November 28, 2005 after pleading guilty to accepting at least $2.4 million in bribes and underreporting his income for 2004. He pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiracy to commit bribery, mail fraud, wire fraud, and tax evasion. On March 3, 2006, he received a sentence of eight years and four months in prison and an order to pay $1.8 million in restitution.”

At this point, it is folks like Representative Cunningham, to whom I refer when I said in my latest Tentacle column, "When It Rains Frogs" - - - “And yes, in many ways the Republicans in Congress deserve to lose the majority. The 109th Congress has been a waste and all of us deserve a refund… Lost in all the talk of conservatives staying home because of justified discontent over the obscene spending by this administration, lack of immigration reform, and the steady stream of members of Congress betraying our trust…”

So anyway, my fellow Maryland Blogger Alliance colleague, Crablaw, calls to our attention: “"It's like Christmas" - a salute to Randal Cunningham.”

I had Dr. Pepper coming out of my nose I laughed so hard. This is way over the top and I thank my colleague Bruce Godfrey for calling it to our attention.

While you are on his site, graze around a bit. This is a well written blog and I thoroughly enjoy and appreciate his insights…

What a hoot.