Ruestman lays out her goals

In this email to constituents, Rep. Marylin Ruestman (R-Neosho) outlines her goals for the next legislative session. (Coming later this week: our interview with Rep. Ruestman.)

The Capitol Report

Priorities for Next Session

Winter is quickly approaching and that means it is time to start considering legislation for the coming session. As your elected Representative I believe it is important to communicate my priorities. This week I’d like to share some legislation I have been working on and will continue to work on in the next legislative session beginning in January.

• Property Tax Reform – It is time to stand up for our seniors and home owners. For too long, rising assessments and taxes have made our homes unaffordable. My proposed reforms would make property taxes more predictable and manageable. It really bothers me that the government meant to protect our rights is forcing seniors out of homes they’ve had for 30 plus years.
• State Sovereignty – The stimulus package is just the latest effort from the federal government to control the states. I want the State of Missouri to remind Washington that we are a sovereign and independent state. We do not have to and we will not continue to cow to Washington’s wishes.
• Grandparents’ Rights – It is well-known that children are generally going to be in a more loving and nurturing environment with their own family members. Last year we passed legislation giving grandparents the first opportunity to take their grandchildren in the event they are removed from their parents’ home. There are still abuses in the system and I want to continue to correct those.
• Expanding Castle Doctrine – In 2007 we passed Castle Doctrine applying to your home, dwelling or vehicle. I’d like to go back now and expand that to include your property. We need to put the criminals on notice that if they invade our property, the owner can assume they are there to harm them and act accordingly.
• Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit – Over 70% of Missouri’s firefighters are volunteer. This tax credit would offer $180 - $360 in tax credits for firefighters reaching a certain threshold of training. Tax credits are hard to pass in times of economic stress, but I believe our firefighters deserve this for the sacrifices they make each and every day to protect our families.

DAVIS: "I'll support the most conservative candidate"

Eli Yokley

(JOPLIN, Mo.) State Rep. candidate Charlie Davis (R- Webb City) came out with a ray of support for the 129th's leading contender.

When asked who he would support in that race, he said "the most conservative candidate." When asked who that was at this point, he said "Shelly."

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He went on (after the recording ended) to say that he would work with whoever won, and would hope to find their support for his 'Contract with Missouri.'

Icet hits Joplin

Eli Yokley and Blake James

(JOPLIN, MO) State Rep. and State Auditor candidate Allen Icet made a stop in Joplin Thursday evening to explain his intent to seek public office.

He was introduced by current House Speaker Ron Richard (R- Joplin.) Richard called Icet a "person of common sense and good principals," and on with "fiscal responsibility."

He spoke in front of a crowd just shy of 20, mainly colleagues (Ron Richard, Brian Stevenson, and locals in the know.

Icet spent the early part of his remarks attacking the Kansas City Star, Saint Louis Post Dispatch, and the Springfield News Leader, for their bias against republicans.

Icet insisted that "the right" wasn't "sent to do the popular thing, it was sent to do the right thing."

**Icet pushed his MBA, rather than a CPA, as something that would help him manage the agency.**

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In the interview, he addresses his (relatively poor) fundraising numbers, he explains the importance of SWMO in his campaign, and explains what all the uproar about career ladder cuts is about.

ON CAREER LADDER:

• "Some twisting letter for political means."
• "Nothing has been cut."
• "We the state have to cut budgets."
• "This MAY happen."
• To teachers: "I have a daughter who teaches public schools."
• "We have to have a balanced budget." "Lots of places to pull money form."
• "All about priorities." "Public education is #1 [priority.]"
• (Interesting to not he never committed not to cut career ladder.

Dreyer Meets Downtown

TheFuseJoplin.com

10/15/2009

State Rep. Candidate (Mo-129) Shelly Dreyer was spotted downtown at Joplin's last Third Thursday event.

She said she was very impressed with what Joplin put together.

She was spotted in 609 with her husband, at numerous art galleries along the walk, at the Rapha House with its founder, and meeting people from the area at (what we hear is one of Nathan Starmer's favorite places) The Vinery.

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Get your own

Photos here. (Thanks so much to Linda Ralston for her help with equipment.)

Webb City rolls out the Rosey-Red Carpet.

more photos here from our friend Paige Peacher.

The Fuse Joplin

October 15, 2009

Webb City rolled out the red carpet Thursday night for Rose Parade chairman Rick Jackson.

Dinner, music, and socialization was shared with over 200 people at the event hosted at Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Mayor John Biggs and Webb City Chamber's Dixie Mariner both suggested support from the city, and said "[we] know that you'll make us proud."

R7 Superintendent Ronald Lankford said he has learned that "it never rains in sunny California anymore," alluding back to Webb City's 2006 experience, where the band faced calf-deep rain.

Lankford said the district was proud to "gives students an opportunity of a lifetime," and ended saying "we believe in your future."

The shy Diana Williams, Director of Bands in Webb City, said the second opportunity at the parade was "a dream come true."

Rick Jackson, incoming President of the Tournament of Roses Parade, said the "community of Webb City is instrumental" in sending the band." He closed saying the opportunity was a "once, or second for some of you, in a lifetime opportunity. Some bands work to get in once, y'all are coming back for the second time. That's awesome."

Parents and students, as well as community members and alumni, all made it out for the event.

**SPOTTED!***

128th district candidate Charlie Davis and his family.

Superintendent Ronald Lankford.

Mayor John Biggs chatting with the Rose president.

Tears in Diana Williams' eyes.

Chamber Honors Webb Citians

Eli Yokley
10/08/2009

\\\Photos here...

The tables were set, the food was made, and the people arrived. Webb City's Chamber diner began.

Thursday night, hundreds went out to Webb City High School where the Webb City Area Chamber of Commerce put on their Annual Banquet.

Jason Hamlin, owner of Van Vans, was honored as Business Leader of The Year.

Jeff Montgomery, noticeably missing, who skipped out on the event to attend the Mizzou game in Columbia(and everyone made sure to point that out,) received the Baker Champion Booster award.

The Web City Lions Club won the Community Service Award, mainly for their production of "Springtime on Broadway," the successful downtown experience put on last year.

Several Webb City educators were honored at the event. 1st Grade teacher Heidy Hathcock, 7th Grade teacher Jeff Payne, 6th Grade teacher David Adams, Special Education teacher Amanda Taylor, and Webb City High School's Randall Hayes were all honored as Teacher of The Year.

Hugh S. Hatcher, graduate of Carterville High School in 1950, was inducted into the R7 Hall of Fame.

The event closed with a good-bye from the chamber's new president, Lou Gutheil.

SPOTTED:

• Dr. Ron Lankford, Superintendent of Schools, speaking with Senator Gary Nodler.
• Senator Gary Nodler, who left very quickly to go to another dinner.
• A representative from Congressman (and current Senate candidate) Roy Blunt's office.
• Mayor John Biggs of Webb City. He didn't have much to say.
• THE Bob Foos, shooting pictures from his seat. I'm pretty sure he used the napkin to dry off his camera. So, we stole the napkin.

Abortion: Joplin's Point of View

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Get your own

Blake James and Eli Yokley
10/4/2009

From 7th to 20th and range line, the streets were lined with pro-life supporters on Sunday.

Deana Maurer, the organizer of the event, took some time to speak with TFJ during the hour long protest/prayer. When asked about why she put the event together, Maurer said that “abortion kills” and that the word isn’t being spread via the media right now, so by having an event like this people can be informed about the evils of abortion.

The Joplin event was started around 18 years ago, and at the innaugral showing there were nearly 4,300 attendees.

The goal of supporters was not only to inform drivers on Range Line, but also to pray for the unborn. Local Pastor John Sherwood went on record today saying he was “concerned for the plight of unborns, and their right as people in our country.” Sherwood sported a sign that read, “Birth, the first innaleable right.”

Maurer also spoke on the impact and significance of the even saying that she hopes the area would be effected by what took place today.

Judy Clark, of Webb City, spoke on the issue of women involved in rape, saying that there are other options, “you must carry the weight of killing a child [after choosing to abort]” she says.

Opposing Views:

As with any ideology there are dissenters. Amy Agee and Craig Taliaferro we a few among the opposition. The basic principal they supported was that we are all entitled to a counter point if we do not agree with something. The group felt that the government should not be involved in a mothers choice. Going off of that Amy and Craig both say they are not pro-abortion, rather pro-choice, the right to choose what is best for you in your situation, not a broad policy that bans abortion all together. Agee feels that if we really want to stop abortion in the U.S. we must fix the socioeconomic hardships many mothers face today. If mothers are economically safe they are less likely to feel the need to give up their children. Taliaferro felt that it would be in the best intrest of everyone if we keep the option of abortion open to all.

THOUGHTS:

No matter your stance on the issue you have to admit that Joplin did a good job today. Two sides of one argument promoting their opinion peacefully. There were a few cases of drivers commenting against one particular idea, on the whole both sides noted the supportive honks, thumbs up, and “thank you’s”. Maybe if this kind of open discourse and protest took place on other issues we could accomplish something to better our nation. Cheers for democracy.

Peace, love, and the right to be informed

(Blake James is Contributing Editor of The Fuse Joplin and Junior at Webb City High School. Eli Yokley is the Editor-in-Chief of The Fuse Joplin. Both contributed to this article. Thanks to Natalie Preston for helping out and being generally awesome.)

Dozens walk to "Stop Child Trafficking Now"

Organizers say their funds will help fund raids at brothels, like the ones in Kansas City, Mo. and Tulsa, Ok.

Eli Yokley

9/28/2009

(JOPLIN, Missouri) Two hundred miles away, it is a sunny, cool, September afternoon.

Two hundred miles away, they are free, healthy, and relatively wealthy.

Two hundred miles away, they are not at a brothel.

Two hundred miles away, we are in Joplin, Missouri.

ON SUNDAY, in Joplin, 80+ people gathered at the "Stop Child Trafficking Now Rally" held in Landreth Park.

In 39 cities and at 60 universities across the United States, people gathered to walk to end this problem in the United States. An estimated 17,000 kids each year are pulled into prostitution each year in this country. The closest brothels, Lola Castillo, Joplin SCTNow Ambassador says, are in Kansas City, Missouri and Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The problem, made increasingly possible with the evolution of the internet, has been largely ignored in this country, even though it has been persistent in our inner-cities and spread by the internet.

The Rally's Purpose

Funding. Joplin's rally raised $2,300 from 63 walkers.

Sarah Goolsby, a team captain (and TFJ contributor,) says she had planned on organizing the even on her own, but joined on to Castillo's event instead.

Their purpose? First and foremost, they plan to hire former super-cops (Special ops, SWAT, etc) to conduct raids. Then, they plan to, in simple terms, prosecute the hell out of the guys that conduct the prostitution.

Then, they partner with organizations like Pro Alliance in the United States and Rapha House abroad to rehabilitate the girls brought into prostitution.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton sent a letter to the group, commending the group for its efforts.

Goolsby says trafficking "violates every good principle."

The event also included words from Pastor Dan Wermuth and presentation of the national anthem.

Live Blogging the Charlie Davis announcement

Blake James

Blake@TheFuseJoplin.com

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* Correction: Not all photos by Eli Yokley. Technical error.

9/17/2009

5:30p.m.: Here we are. Patriotic music and all. Welcome, republicans of Webb City.

5:49p.m: TFJ shooting photos and trying to ask a few questions.

5:54p.m.: talking to Davis after the event

5:56p.m.: Great turn out with under ten minutes till Davis takes the podium.

6:02p.m.: Word is no State hierarchy is here... interesting.

6:04p.m.: Allan Snow introduces Pastor Bob Morgan to give an invocation.

*Technical error..... live blogging stopped being live, but here is the rest.*

6:12p.m.: Charlie Davis- Speaks on behalf of the veterans of the United States.

6:16p.m.: Oct 3^rd 1989. Moved to Joplin Missouri. Speaks about his wife.

6:17p.m.: Being a small business owner made me want to run. The unfair taxation forced solely onto small business. 35% goes out to taxes, from what I pay my workers. My desire has never been stronger to fight for the conservative values. I can no longer stand by and watch what is happening to our country.

6:19p.m.: Constitution will be followed to a T. It is the greatest document aside from the Bible that has ever been written. The Federal government has taken over many industries, I can’t think of a single thing that isn’t bankrupt the Federal government has gotten involved with.

6:20p.m.: Health care takeover will double our debt in 3 years. Our government is out of control. The government owns nothing, that’s your money and our money. It’s time for the government to start listening to the people.

6:22p.m.: 2010 is coming and there is going to be a change. “Contract unveiled”.

1. Fight for the lives of the unborn and elderly.

2. Limit size and power of the Missouri Government

3. Fight for the right to keep and bear arms

4. taxes will be fair

5. Bring good jobs to MO

6. Quality education to all Mo citizens.

7. Justice and punishment is fair.

8. I will live under the laws I help create

9. Push for alternative energy

10. Ensure quality and affordable healthcare for all MO

11. Promise to restore the trust between citizens and elected officials

6:28p.m.: Lee Greenwood song “America, America”(?) used as closing.

Questions from TFJ

Will you support a fair tax?

Absolutely, easier sale on the state level than the federal level. Just a 1% sales tax increase.

Do you support judges being elected or by a panel (like Carnahan suggested)?

I support them being elected not appointed. The BAR gives three names and the governor chooses who is nominated.

What would you do to ensure quality and affordable health care and insurance to Missourians?

First, reform: frivolous lawsuits need to be slowed. Insurance commission should be opened to any valid insurance company.

Opinion on MOHELA? (Missouri Higher Education Loan Assistance)

We need to ensure better education. Kids that really want to go to college should have a way to go. Missouri constitution guarantees 1/3 of a dollar goes to all schools. That’s enough, if they educate the kids then cost should not be an issue. We need to make sure we are graduating kids that meet a standard.

Stratified with the current public school system, what you do to improve it?

No, we need to educate the kids. Teachers need to have a way of teaching without prejudice. In support of vouchers. Home school kids now. Exit exams- would be for. MAP testing is not fair, kids are coached.

If elected will you serve until term limited?

One term at a time. Goal is to do what’s best for Missouri.

Going to try to sell contract?

All conservatives values, will try to push for them.

You say you won’t raise taxes, what do you plan to cut?

Waste, fraud, abuse, Medicaid can be cut.

My Take:

Great event put on by Mr. Davis. I really liked the fact that he has in writing what he plans on standing for. Accountability is key in today’s government. I also really like the fact that he was willing to sit down with us a field a nice set of questions. Kudos to you Charlie. Stay tuned to thefusejoplin.com for all the information on the 2010 race for the 128^th district.

Live Blogging: Pres. Obama's Health Care Rally in Minneapolis

Eli Yokley - 9/12/2009
(From Webb City, Missouri.)

12:14pm: When is this thing supposed to start? The campaign feel seems to be exciting the crowd. This contrasts so hard with the "9/12" protests on FOX.

Estimates of 60,000 at the 9/12 thing. It'll be interesting when we get numbers on POTUS's Rally.

1:07pm: "Health care is one of those fundamental struggles"

1:08pm: "Middle class Americans" are the ones struggling the most.

1:09pm: "We gotta do something."

1:12pm: "It's now been a century since teddy rosevelt called for health care reform." "The time is now."

1:15pm: "The time for bickering is over. The time for games has past. Now is the time for action."

Crowd starts familiar "Yes We Can" chant.

1:16pm: "When you're talking to your neighbor, or buying starbucks, or whatever you're doing." nice shout out?

1:17pm: "WHEN I SIGN THIS BILL." Tough language!

1:18pm: "Nobody should go broke because they got sick."

1:23pm: "How you gonna pay for it?" Answer.... "Control of our federal budget." "Will not sign a plan that adds one dime to our deficit." Will not make "Iraq war" payment mistake when it comes to health care.

1:24pm: "Most of savings can come from money that's already being spent in the health care sysyem."

1:28pm: "Common sense" health care solutions. I.e. electronic records.

1:29pm: "Will not accept status quo."

1:30pm: "I never said change would be easy."

***PROTESTOR!!!! YAY!*************

1:34pm: POTUS telling greenwood story again.

1:39pm: "One voice can change a room, and if it can change a room it can change a city, and if it can change a city it can change a state. if it can change a state it can change a nation. and if it can change a nation, it can change health care."

1:40pm: "FIRED UP?" "Fired up!" "READY TO GO?" "ready to go!" "THEY CAN'T STOP US NOW."

Live Blogging Robin Carnahan

7:55pm: waiting on her to arrive.

8:24pm: Eli is trying to shoot pictures. He is fail.

8:28pm: Listening to the "Carnahan Man" (a 50 + man dawning a Carnahan tee-shirt and a medal) talk about how he ran in the 50th annual marathon (26 miles!) for something... Auditorium is no where near half full and we have t-minus two minutes till start time.

8:32pm: She is here. (40-ish including 4 from thefusejoplin.com, call for back up)

8:37pm: Democratic youth president takes the podium for the introduction.

8:40pm: Carnahan takes the podium

8:40pm: "We rely on our neighbors, and we help our neighbors" think about how you can make a difference.

8:42pm: "We got any rich people that are going to die in Rolla" Carnahan on her youth hometown community pool.

8:43pm: "Getting beyond bickering, getting beyond partisanship, and realize we have problem"

8:44pm: the status quo on many issues is unsustainable. The campaign is in part about if we as a country and as a state want more of the same.

8:45pm: " I don't that there are problems that are too big to fix." But you don't always see that in political campaigns. I'm hopeful that in the next election we can talk about issues.

8:48pm: promotion of campaign, add me on twitter/facebook, text message updates.

8:50pm: SPEECH OVER!

8:51pm: TFJ runs for questions

8:53pm: "We need a broader energy policy" Carnahan on the cap and trade question

8:54pm: Health care question is denied thanks to Preston@thefusejoplin.com


My thoughts:

Ehh, short sweet I guess. Probably should have fielded at least a few questions but hey beggers can't be choosers. Moral seems to be low if judged by numbers but we heard that a lot of people plan to hit the streets in support. Upcoming race will be interesting, stay tuned to thefusejoplin.com for updates.

Blake James (quickly) reacts: A progressive take.

Blake James
Contributing Editor for The Fuse Joplin
9/9/2009

OBAMA FTW. GOP SIT DOWN

Seriously, did the heart surgeon not listen to ANY of Mr. President’s speech? In no way is he taking the healthcare insurance that many Americans have now away and replacing it with governmental ran insurance. He specifically said that there would be NO change to your current insurance.

Listen Joplin, I’ve supported both sides on many different issues. Right now the right has literally no leg to stand on any more. Obama answered any criticisms the right had, but yet the still continue to play the same old game. Heckling and laughing during an address to congress does absolutely nothing for the credibility of the GOP.

I’ll attach a link to my notes of both speeches that you are free to look over.

Shyanna Busch Responds: A "common sense" take

Shyanna Busch
Guest Contributor
9/10/2009 for TheFuseJoplin.com

President Obama shared another one of his mesmerizing oratory speeches with the general public and Congress this evening. Overall, Obama did a very well at sharing more of the details about what he wants in a health care bill, but he also failed to cover some of the common sense issues within his plan.

First, I do agree with President Obama that something needs to be done about our healthcare system. Insurance companies are shady—they do drop coverage when people need it, they do exclude people because of pre-existing conditions, and rates have been on a continual increase over the last 15 years. When I started my first “adult” job 12 years ago, I paid $30 a check for insurance. Three years later, I could no longer afford coverage when it increased to $60 a check. I tell you this, so that you know I have been one of the people who are “one disaster away from bankruptcy.” Now, I am one of the lucky Americans with very affordable health insurance, and my husband receives free insurance through work.

Over the course of the summer, the American public wanted specifics from Obama. Tonight, he addressed those concerns. He laid out specific details about what he wants included in the plan. He reiterated the idea that if you are insured you will not be required to change plans. Secondly, he wants to make insurance work for those that already have insurance by making it illegal for coverage to be denied because of previous illnesses. Companies can no longer put caps on lifetime and yearly coverage, out of pocket expenses will be limited, and insurance companies must cover routine and annual care. This sounds fantastic to me especially because I am currently in a dispute with my husband’s insurance company about them not covering his annual screenings. I also liked the idea of a new insurance exchange where companies and those without insurance can shop for competitive premiums and plans.

One area of this reform in which I disagree and will always disagree is the public option. Obama said he believes less than 5% of the population will sign up for the government option, but if you look at the plan Hawaii attempted, so many people dropped their regular insurance for the cheaper government plan, they had to shut the program down because the system was completely overwhelmed.

I also do not agree with the federal government mandating private citizens to have insurance coverage. It is the right of citizens to have insurance or not. Many will site that car insurance is mandatory, but people can choose not to have insurance. They are just responsible for the cost if they have a wreck. The 10^th amendment is our greatest weapon against government control, but over the last several decades, the federal government has overstepped its boundaries in this regards. I just do not see why the government option is the only way to address the problem. Opening competition across state lines will increase competition too, but the President and Congress will not consider this option.

My other great concern is the cost. Obama claims his plan will only cost 900 billion over the next 10 years. In past experiences with government programs, they always greatly underestimate costs, so that means the plan will probably really cost 1.5-2 trillion over the next 10 years. He claims that almost all of the cost of his plan will come from decreasing inefficiencies and waste in Medicare and Medicaid. Common sense tells me, if these wastes can be identified now, why do we have to wait to fix them until this plan passes? If we can save so much money by fixing waste, then we can just fix the healthcare overload now. Even more, can the government be effective enough to eliminate this waste? President Obama also failed to mention his behind the scenes deal with Big Pharma (this deal would not require pharmaceutical companies to decrease their costs) although he did excitedly say the word “pharmaceutical companies.” If you want more information on this, check out Air America, a liberal talk radio program, that has been investigating this concern. Lastly, it seems almost paradoxical for any plan to insure 45 million more people, giver better coverage to those already insured, and decrease cost all at the same time. The three goals do not go hand in hand. I’m not sure that it is possible. These three ideologies may be elusive to catch as Bigfoot.

Throughout the speech, there were lots of shouts, applause, and voices of disagreement. At one point, someone shouted out “Lie!” while the President was talking. I attended Claire McCaskill’s town hall in Springfield last week, and I was very disappointed with all the yelling and inability for conversations to take place during the forum. On the other hand, I understand the frustration and anger many feel about this subject. I never thought that someone would have the bravado to do such a thing to the President, and whoever it was should have been more respectful, but the look on Nancy Pelosi’s face when a man did shout out was priceless.

Lastly, Joey B, that’s how I refer to Joe Biden, touched my heart strings as President Obama spoke of Ted Kennedy’s ideals. I know that Sen. Kennedy’s passing was very hard on VP Biden. You could see the pain and loss in Biden’s eyes, as he tried to hold back tears tonight.

Speculation out of Webb City High School

Eli Yokley

8/28/2009

Speculation.

Speculation is brewing in Webb City surrounding a certain 16 year old girl.

While we won't propose this as fact, we will say sources very relevant in Webb City High School are suggesting a 16 year old sophomore girl was sent home with symptoms of H1N1, the "Swine-flu."

Sources tell TFJ that the girl was sent home with a headache and fever, but it has not been confirmed to, in fact, be the H1N1.

On the record, Superintendent Ron Lankford on Wednesday said, "we have had no confirmed Swine Flu incident at the High School."

Lankford did say, regarding swine flu, that "generally, we follow the lead of the CDC and Jasper County Health Dept." He reminds, "kids should not come to school sick, should wash their hands and follow good health habits."

Optimistically, Lankford says, "Hopefully it will not become a major problem."

(By the way, Principal Stephen Gollhopher has not yet responded to our email.)

More to come, surely, as this story develops.

Blake James on Sotomayor and CARS

I hate to say I told you so.

Blake James, TFJ Contributor
08.07.2009

Good [insert proper salutation],

Readers, August 6, 2009 was an important day in Washington. The confirmation of Sonia Sotomayor as the 111^th Supreme Court justice; ensures a seat for the third woman, and the first Hispanic justice history has ever seen. Our Senate had yet another history changing vote the day before they go on vacation. The emergency bill that was passed in the House last week continued its trip to law status as the Senate approves the $2 Billion for “Cash for Clunkers”.

Sotomayor

Set aside her race and sex for a moment and look at the pure political success of Sotomayor’s confirmation. Obama has to be happy that he was the first Democrat in 15 years to have a nomination to the Supreme Court be confirmed. With the left in full support and the right doing their best (only 9 Republicans voted in favor), the vote tallied 68 in favor and 31 in opposition. The right’s main argument against the justice is that she will bring a liberal agenda and personal bias into the court room. Sorry guys but losing a liberal (Justice David Souter) and filling the seat isn’t going to sway the bench, no matter how hard she could hypothetically push her agenda.

The right should probably watch what they say in following days, America is moving towards a more liberal approach to politics and any Hispanic constituent that happens to be on the fence will certainly be lost to the left.

Kudos to Sotomayor, may she be blessed with a successful ride on the most exclusive bench America has to offer.

“CARS” “aka. Cash for Clunkers” “aka $$$”

After the original $1 billion had been spent (in 10 days) congress was forced to take action, the 60-37 vote in tonight’s session of the Senate shows just what that action will be. The emergency $2 billion for CARS was again supported firmly by the left and the right really couldn’t do anything about it. Officials of the program say that the extra cash could help Americans buy a half-million more cars. While the lawmakers are fretting over more spending the initial success of the program must play a huge factor when looking at the cost benefit analysis of CARS. The first billion has allowed Americans to see a 50% increase in fuel economy and up $1,000 worth of savings in gas. The top selling cars under the program are the Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, and the Honda Civic.

A big boo-yah goes out to the men and women on Capitol Hill, today really shows that our legislative branch can get things done.

Peace, love, and the right to be informed

-Blake James

by Eli Yokley: Want to read on?

• Sotomayor: A Break Down of the Confirmation Here (via the New York Times)
• Senate approved CARS, and Obama plans to sign it.
  

Blake James: Hola. ¿Cómo estás?

Blake James
TheFuseJoplin.com Contributor

August 3, 2009

The Fuse Joplin has already covered the CARS aka Cars for Clunkers dilemma that is heating up, however we need to take a closer look at what is actually going on.

July 31^st, Congress pushed for an emergency $2 billion bill to ensure that CARS could continue to happen. The $2 billion is coming from the Department of Energy’s loan guarantee that was included in the Stimulus package. The bill will hit the floor this afternoon, it looks as though it should move through the House rather quickly, but could face some trouble in the Senate. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) goes in the book saying “Cash for Clunkers is another example of the government picking winners and losers and enshrines us as a bailout nation”. What the left has to do is convince the GOP that the spending is no new money; hopefully this will ease the vote into passage.

CARS has already yielded upwards of 250,000 cars since the start of July and with the new provisions should be continued till September 30th. The goal is to get the gas guzzling cars that Americans are driving now off the road, and replace them with high efficiency cars of the future. New car buyers have the ability to receive tax credits when the trade in their clunker. How much of a rebate you get depends on the positive net change in your miles per gallon; +4-10 mpg lands you with $3,500, whilst 10+ mpg will allow you to pocket the larger $4,500 rebate. You must also meet a minimum of 22 mpg in order to receive the credit. The premise of the credit is to increase overall fuel economy of the cars being driven in America. The reason I see no problem with the trade-off in the D.O.E. spending is that in all reality this could be the first step to a greener America. Fuel economy helps not only your pocketbook, but America as a whole. Higher fuel economy means our oil supply can be extended that much longer for R&D on other forms of energy. Not to mention that the emissions level in newer cars is considerably less than many older models. Overall the CARS initiative seems to be a good thing for America.

As with all good things there must be the dissenters, in this case it’s the dealers that are selling the new cars. The New York Times published a story on July 31^st in which a dealer isolated 5 major problems with CARS.

“1. We have not had one application accepted without it being rejected numerous times.

2. We have 9 people at 5 dealerships working full time on this, it should take one person.

3. We have over 100 waiting to be paid and have not been paid on one yet.

4. They changed the rules part way through.

5. It is a mess. “

The dealer goes on to say that the environmental benefits that drive the project, in many instances, is not what American people are thinking about; “Most people, he said, just wanted to get a good deal when they exchanged an old car for a new one.” Should we worry about what Americans are thinking about when buying that new car, or take it in stride and see it as the people propping up a falling industry?

My gut says go for it, and, as my AP Mobile Breaking News text [on his new iPhone!] says, The House does too. The bill was passed 316 in favor and 109 in opposition. The Senate will open up debate on the legislation on August 7^th. So stay tuned in folks, this should be an interesting. Maybe you can talk mommy and daddy into that new car after all.

Peace, Love, and the right to be informed.

-Blake James

Extra Reading:

CARS page

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Goolsby on Health Care and The Failing GOP

Bucks are the Beef

Op-Ed by Sarah "Not-Palin" Goolsby
July 21, 2009

I was taught about analogies in the fifth grade. Back then, I used analogies such as “a curtain is to a window as a blanket is to a bed.” I’m heading into my senior year, and my analogies have advanced a little – one analogy that’s been on my mind lately is the following: Nancy Pelosi is to the left as Sarah Palin is to the right.

Over the past few years the right has taken some major beatings from the media. On top of Bush’s devastated PR by the end of his term, one of the most severe media lash-outs dealt to the GOP was the blatant mockery of Sarah Palin in the 2008 presidential election (Tina Fey, anyone?). This media coverage was one of the contributing factors in the election of a Democratic president and a Democratic majority in Congress.

Given that Republicans suffered an overwhelming defeat and that they no longer hold the power to filibuster, Republicans don’t have much to cling to right now. Because of this, I can’t blame them for trying to fight fire with fire – they’re targeting Pelosi as a weak spot in the left and milking every blunder she makes for everything it’s worth.

One of the issues Pelosi’s been speaking out on lately is universal healthcare. Obama is pushing his healthcare plan as much as he can, and that’s got Republicans all fired up. Their biggest beef with Obama’s bill? Funding.

Several plans have been proposed as to how universal healthcare can be paid for. Pelosi released a statement about a so-called “millionaire tax,” meaning that part of the funding for coverage would come from taxing individuals with adjusted gross incomes of $500,000 and joint filers with incomes of $1,000,000. While there are some benefits to this plan, such as reducing the amount of people being taxed, the right is (predictably) infuriated by any mention of taxing the rich.

Although the GOP can huff and puff as much as they like about Pelosi, what they fail to realize is that Pelosi’s currently proposed plans are unlikely to materialize. From the New York Times, “The Senate … has shown little interest in such a tax to pay for the legislation. And House Democrats, especially more junior members elected in 2006 and 2008 from Republican-leaning districts, are reluctant to vote for a big tax increase if it is unlikely to be included in the final bill. Such a vote, they argue, would provide easy fodder for opponents seeking to paint them as tax-and-spend liberals.” And Republicans are seeking to do just that; they’re attempting to group all supporters of Obama’s healthcare plans with Pelosi and portray them as careless spenders.

Another factor the right conveniently chooses to overlook is that funding for universal healthcare wouldn’t come solely from taxing those hard-working, under-appreciated millionaires. There are multiple sources available for funding Obama’s healthcare legislation, such as increased savings via concessions from pharmaceutical companies and private insurers. Sleep easy, Republicans, your checkbooks aren’t entirely up for grabs.

But perhaps the biggest flaw in the GOP’s logic is that the current system is essentially universal healthcare. Consider this – if you’re an uninsured citizen in the United States that requires medical attention, you’re sent to the emergency room. This is an extremely costly procedure, but the hospital can’t refuse you – they’re required to give service to anyone in need. There’s no way you can pay for all of your medical expenses, but you can’t just write the hospital an IOU – so where do the costs go? That’s right. They go to the American taxpayer.

We as taxpayers are slammed with the uninsured’s costs. Whether we realize it or not, we provide healthcare coverage to those that will not or cannot seek it for themselves. At the point when we switch to universal health care (note that I say “when,” not “if” – Obama’s made this too critical to his campaign to not push it through) we will not see skyrocketing taxes. We will not see millionaires being robbed blind (don’t worry, Mr. Hefner, you can keep your mansion). Most importantly, we will not see a socialist government – that is, unless you think the current healthcare system is a socialist plot, too.

Republicans are outnumbered. The biggest weapon they possess in their arsenal is public criticism of the left. However, their arguments are flawed. When, not if, we have universal healthcare it will prevent costly ER bills shouldered by the American public and will be funded by multiple sources – excessive taxation of the rich won’t happen because Congress doesn’t support it. Sorry, GOP. Try another day.

American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009

Monday, July 20, 2009
Op-Ed by Blake James.

House: [H.R.2454.EH]

Senate: [H.R.2454.PCS]

The A.C.E. was placed on the Senate's calendar two Tuesdays ago. The legislation’s goals can be found in the title, “To create clean energy jobs, achieve energy independence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energy economy”.

Federalism

I’m happy to see Congress propose legislation that finally sets a precedent as to who has ground on alternative energy. While this is just the first step I think it will even out the alternative energy playing field so to speak. With the passage of the A.C.E. the Federal government will set the standard for Cap and Trade within the United States. The text of the legislation clearly prohibits states from setting their own standard while the legislation is enforced.

Long Term

It joys me even more that with the passage of this bill congress solidifies numbers for America to shoot for in the future (6% in 2012, 9.5% in 2014, 13% in 2016, 16.5% in 2018, and 20% in 2021-2039). We can all talk about how “green” we want to go, but unless there is a goal for us to meet and be judged against there won’t be any progress made. However these numbers don’t really play towards you and I, they’re directed at the business industry of America. More specifically businesses that emit greenhouse gasses. For those of you who don’t know what a cap and trade system is here is the EPA’s quick explanation. Basically businesses are held accountable for their pollution. Over the limit, and you’re taxed; under, and you can sell your credits to bigger business.

Efficiency

No matter how large the shift towards greener energy is there’s one more problem that stands. The old faulty gridlines that stretch across the nation are that problem. The legislation will include provisions for the implementation of smart grid technology. The change in efficiency doesn’t stop at the grid, consumer products also fall under the legislations umbrella.

See the full text of the legislation here.

Sonia Sotomayor: A Woman, A Hispanic, A Supreme Court Justice?

Monday, July 13, 2009
Op-Ed by Blake James.

Sonia Sotomayor, a woman, a Hispanic, a Supreme Court Justice?

There is no doubt that in 2009 far right Americans have been forced to bite their tongues. The most recent bloodshed was the selection of Sonia Sotomayor as a nominee to replace Justice David Souter. Sotomayor, deeply rooted in her Hispanic heritage was born in arguably the most American part of the nation, New York, New York. Sotomayor started her climb to the top of the Judicial branch in 1979 as Assistant District Attorney for the New York district.

The Critics

Conservatives brought their A-game recently in efforts to push the confirmation date back into September. Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., when asked about Sotomayor after her controversial ruling in the Ricci vs. DeStefano discrimination case is quoted saying "It is a troubling philosophy for any judge — let alone one nominated to our highest court — to convert empathy into favoritism for particular group,” strong words there McConnell. Needless to say I have a feeling many people are jumping to conclusions about Sotomayor, and the dozen NRA board members that have written in to their senators to oppose her confirmation are a punch line by themselves. Not to mention Karl Rove and his uneasy feelings on Sotomayor’s “Intellectual strength,” sorry Rovie but when you say things like Palin retiring will “hurt” her chances for 2012 it makes me think you should be getting out of the game any time soon.

The Truth

An overtly conservative blog Hot Air has been recorded saying that Sotomayor’s confirmation is “a done deal”. “The CNN/Opinion Research Corp. survey found that 47 percent of Americans want the Senate to confirm Sotomayor, while 40 percent do not and the remaining 13 percent have no opinion.” Monday will be interesting to say the least, but I have a feeling Sotomayor will come out on top. She wants to do “good” for the United States, and I think she has the ability to do so. Vice President Joe Biden sent an email on the 10^th that many of us may have received. The email may have swayed some Americans opinions, after all, who could say no to such moving rhetoric like “Judge Sotomayor's brilliance and unique legal qualifications have stood strong against fierce scrutiny. Law enforcement officials have praised her tough-mindedness and experience as a prosecutor and trial judge, and just this week she earned the highest possible rating from the American Bar Association.” Kudos to Biden whose foot stayed planted firm to the ground this time.

Thanks to Eli Yokley, Zach Sewell, and The Fuse Joplin. Hopefully I can write for you all again.

(Blake recently competed at the National Forensic League's national tournament in Birmingham, Alabama. Prior to that, Blake competed in several debate competitions, as well as the district FBLA event.)