Boehner promises reform in House

Boehner Promises to Reform House Rules and Earmarks
Sept. 30, 2010, 3:09 p.m.
By Jackie Kucinich
Roll Call Staff

House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) on Thursday said Republicans would alter House rules to restore “order” and reform the earmarking process if the GOP takes the majority in November.

The speech to the American Enterprise Institute is the fourth in a series of major public addresses Boehner has given this year that outline how he would run the House if elected Speaker.

Boehner reiterated several of the government reform planks of the GOP’s new “Pledge to America” agenda and accused Democrats of routinely altering the rules in order to ram through their agenda.

The Big Pink Elephant

The Big Pink Elephant

It appears that there is a big pink elephant in the middle of the room and no one wants to talk about it. Before the last election a lot of people did a lot of campaigning for and against a levy for a new school. I don't know if any of them looked at the real facts.  This blog has unearthed a lot of cold, hard facts.  Numbers usually don't lie, especially when they can be backed up with facts.  In this case the research that I did came from the Board of Elections and the Ohio Department of Education.

These facts show very plainly that people within the city limits of Greenville pretty much support the schools and with only a couple of exceptions, everyone else whom we've invited into the system in years past doesn't support the schools at all.  It's right there in black and white.  No one has said a word about it.

Copy and paste for the rest of the article...
http://greenvilleschoolsneedtoknowstuff.blogspot.com/

Bits & Pieces - Voting after death

Fear not, you can still vote after death

Bits ‘n Pieces

By Bob Robinson

Sept. 30. 2010

From Newsmax.com…

Pelosi May be Ousted Even if Democrats Win

Republicans are eager to regain control of Congress so they can push Nancy Pelosi out of her position as House Speaker. While Democrats don’t want to lose their grip on Congress, some of them aren’t so hot on Pelosi either, 
Roll Call reports. 


More than 10 moderate Democrats in the House have declined to offer public support for her. That includes Reps. Bobby Bright, Ala.; Jim Marshall, Ga.; Gene Taylor, Miss.; and Walt Minnick, Idaho.

Dick Morris - Obliterating a Generation

OBLITERATING A GENERATION

By DICK MORRIS

Published on TheHill.com on September 28, 2010

Thanks to the leadership of President Obama, Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Reid, the Democratic Party is facing the biggest defeat in midterm elections in the past 110 years, perhaps surpassing the modern record of a 74-seat gain set in 1922. They will also lose control of the Senate.

Republicans are now leading in 54 Democratic House districts. In 19 more, the incumbent congressman is under 50 percent and his GOP challenger is within five points. That makes 73 seats where victory is within easy grasp for the Republican Party. The only reason the list is not longer is that there are 160 Democratic House districts that were considered so strongly blue that there is no recent polling available.

News & Notes from Garst Museum

Appraisal Day at Garst Museum
     "It's worth how much?" "Wow, I had no idea?" We all heard these responses from visitors to the Antiques Roadshow on TV. Now you will get your chance to bring two of your favorite antiques to Garst Museum and find out what Steve Bemiller of Garth's Auctioneers and Appraisers says they are worth. Mr. Bemiller is executive vice-president of Garth's, located in Delaware, Ohio. They are known for dealing with high-end antiques. It should be noted that Mr. Bemiller has no interest in purchasing any item you present. He will just give you his opinion based on his 38 years in the antique business. Garth's is donating their services, so all the proceeds from this event will go to benefit Garst Museum.

Obama and "His" War

From Newsmax.com…

Buzz Patterson: Obama's 'Conduct Unbecoming'

Monday, 27 Sep 2010 10:55 PM

By: Jim Meyers

President Bill Clinton’s Senior Military Aide Robert “Buzz” Patterson tells Newsmax that a fundraiser and “close acquaintance” of Barack Obama should be prosecuted for treason for aiding America’s enemies.

Patterson, a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and best-selling author, also says morale among American forces in Afghanistan is poor and the troops have “absolutely no faith” in their commander-in-chief Obama’s intention of winning the war.

Darke TEA Patriot meeting report

TO ALL DARKE T.E.A. PATRIOTS

The DARKE T.E.A. PATRIOTS meeting this evening started with an outstanding review of the content and history behind the Seventeenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States by Jesse Leonard.  Brief presentations by Keith Smith and Dave Niley were followed by an interesting series of questions by many of the folks present.  The program ended with excellent summary by Representative Jim Zehringer.

Thank you from the Senior Scribes

To the Editor and the Darke County Community:

About three and one half years ago, the Senior Advocates were formed. Shortly thereafter, that group formed a 501(c)3 Scholarship Fund. About a year ago, the Senior Advocates changed their name to the Senior Scribes and became associated with the Early Bird Newspaper.

The Scholarship Fund has sponsorships in three categories: Bronze, Silver and Gold. During the past year, the Darke County business and private sectors have been very supportive of the scholarship fund.

Bethany... Preparation saves for a world of hurt

Preparation saves for a world of hurt

Bethany J. Royer

Mother of the Munchkins

I’ve read that divorce should be more difficult to obtain, if not illegal, when it’s marriage that should come with a plethora of hoops and obstacles. At least, there should be far more obstacles than gift registration, obtaining a wedding dress that doesn’t require the selling of a vital organ to afford it, or the decision of whether or not Uncle Herb should be allowed anywhere near the open bar.

Dayton TEA gains steam

Tea Party gains steam as dissatisfaction brews

Rob Scott, president and founder of the Dayton Tea Party, said the group has grown to 15,000 members and will see a 50 percent gain in donations this year.

While the Tea Party movement has steamrolled into the national spotlight, the Dayton area is building its own fervor for smaller government and fiscal responsibility.

The Dayton Tea Party has grown to roughly 15,000 members and is on track to raise about 50 percent more donations than it did last year, according to Rob Scott, president and founder of the organization.

Guest Opinion... Paul Douglas

Love your articles and your concern for our government.   Keep writing and educating the public.  It’s a noble fight.

The only way to improving America is new blood and term limits in all legislative offices, as well as local offices. No more fat retirements for completing one term.  Take a lot of the fat out of these offices.   We must reform the “checks and balances” within these offices.  Our representatives are supposed to be representative of “we the people”.  Instead they are accountable to their own agendas first.  They have powerful speech and can pretend to lend a sympathetic ear, but unless their vote benefits them they are predominately ineffective to the average voter.

Shawnee Prairie Days

Shawnee Prairie Days was held Saturday and Sunday at Darke County's Shawnee Park. The park's Prairie House was open to the public with volunteers in prairie garb; apple butter made on the premises the day before was sold; there was a pit spitting contest, tomahawk throwing demonstration and much much more.

Eagles Member Picnic

Greenville Eagles 2177 had their annual picnic at Shade Road Sunday.

Several hundred members and guests enjoyed food and beverages "on the house" courtesy of The Aerie and volunteers. Officers served, sides and desserts were provided by the Auxiliary.

A Must Read from Dick Morris & Eileen McGann!

OBAMA: WE CAN "ABSORB" ANOTHER 9-11

By DICK MORRIS & EILEEN MCGANN

Published on DickMorris.com on September 22, 2010


Obama's essentially European world outlook has no better illustration than his comment to Bob Woodward during a July, 2010 interview that "we can absorb a terrorist attack.  We'll do everything we can to prevent it, but even a 9/11, even the biggest attack ever... we absorbed it and we are stronger."

The essence of the differences between the European and American view of terrorism is the deeply felt, but often unstated opinion on the Continent that terrorism is normal and that it would be a mistake to over-react to it.  In the United States, terrorism cuts very, very deeply into our national psyche.  But in Europe, its often just one of those things.

For the complete article, copy and paste:

https://mail.google.com/mail/?hl=en&shva=1#inbox/12b4b711e39de776

ACLU Priorities... one perspective

City’s over assertiveness should attract ACLU attention

The city of Marion plans to ban all tobacco use on the city-owned properties. They have extended this ban to include all outdoor areas including parks. “Employees also will be prohibited from using tobacco during working hours – even while off-site.”  Dayton Daily News 09 25 2010

This obvious intrusion on the individual personal liberties should be a magnet case for the ACLU. Although it may be a disappointment to some, it seems unlikely that Greenville will be entertained by a visit from the ACLU; when it comes to civil liberties, ex-offenders will receive a very low priority when compared to the individual’s right to smoke a cigarette.

Charles E. Reier MD

Rebecca A. Reier

Balderdash - Arrogance and reality

“Verity - the quality or state of being true or real; Balderdash – nonsense.”

Miriam-Webster Online Dictionary

Arrogance and reality

Verities & Balderdash

By Bob Robinson

Here is a collection of four little goodies that might give you another reason to smile on this beautiful fall day. A note of warning, however, if you are PC sensitive, you might want to wait for another week.

If you’re willing to smile, despite your sensitivities, then enjoy!

A thief in Paris stole some Paintings from the Louvre.

Goldberg's take on "Pledge to America"

From Townhall.com

The GOP's Ante

By Jonah Goldberg

On the political gimmickry scale, the GOP's new "Pledge to America" is worse than some, better than others. Let's say it falls somewhere between the Federalist Papers and a Harry Reid press release -- which, admittedly, pins it down as much as saying you lost a cufflink somewhere between Burkina Faso and Cleveland.

First and foremost it promises to focus on job creation, vowing to stop all scheduled tax hikes (i.e., the expiration of the Bush tax cuts). It offers a steep tax deduction for small businesses and a renewed commitment to curbing business-stifling regulations.

Kasich to visit Greenville

John Kasich will be visiting Greenville on Tuesday, October 19th from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The event will be held at 301 South Broadway (Republican headquarters) on the circle. The visit will be part of Kasich's I-75 bus tour (diverting from the interstate to visit Darke County).

Everyone is invited. Mark your calendars now!

Opinion - Now I know

Now I know

That’s My Opinion

By Bob Robinson

Sept. 24, 2010

My mind is a blank. Unusual for me.

It’s not that I have nothing to think about; more that I’m overwhelmed with too many things to think about.

On the one hand, I’m optimistic about the future of our country; on the other hand… sometimes pessimistic.

I’ve been praying for something like the TEA movement – people who, like me, want to return to the values that made our country great – but I’m also nervous that what may be viewed as a radical departure from “business as usual” might be rejected by the voters. I can’t remember the last time a “third party” movement was successful… official or unofficial.

A Pledge to America

House Republicans Issue "A Pledge to America"
New Governing Agenda, Built by Listening, Focuses on Creating Jobs, Cutting Spending, and Reforming Congress; GOP Presses for Action Before Congress Adjourns

Sep 23, 2010

Washington- House Republicans today put forth “A Pledge to America,” a new governing agenda built by listening to the American people and focused on addressing their top priorities – including creating jobs, cutting spending, and changing the way Congress works.  This new governing agenda was unveiled during a press event at Tart Lumber Company, a family-owned small business located in Sterling, VA.  Republicans stressed that this governing agenda could be implemented right now if President Obama and Democratic Leaders would allow it, and called for action before Congress adjourns.

Mother of the Munchkins... Pink hindsight

Pink hindsight

By Bethany J. Royer

Mother of the Munchkins

The second floor of the Greenville Courthouse is cavernous and the walls are very, very pink. I’ve been meaning to ask why the walls are pink but assume it is to keep people calm if not in a state of perpetual zombification.

For the record, I do not like the second floor of the courthouse, or the pink walls, but I certainly felt like a zombie as I sat on one of the benches in August, awaiting my dissolution finalization.

That depressing day also happened to be the same day as my eldest daughter’s ninth birthday and the first day at a new school for both of my munchkins. (My girls attend Greenville schools nowadays) Rather than cake-filled celebrations I had to deal with nerves shot to you-know-where, my stomach twisted in knots, and a case of vertigo so bad I swore my head was in a blender.

Liberals & Conservatives

Thought you might be interested in this... think about it. Just copy and paste the following:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ngzx-1Rq1gE

GOP Headquarters opens Tuesday

Darke County GOP Headquarters will open Tuesday, September 28th, located at 301 South Broadway, Greenville.  (Same location as 2008)

Hours of operation will be weekly from Noon to 7:00 P.M.  and 9:00 A.M. to Noon on Saturday.

GRAND OPENING to be held Saturday, October 2nd at 9:00 A.M.

Letter from a Riegle supporter

We believe that Susie Riegle is a knowledgeable and helpful advocate for students' education.  Our experience is that she takes parents input, listens, deliberates, and follows through with actions.  She also thinks outside of the box, not just repeat the same old routines in decision-making.   As parents of Elizabeth Horner, we have had contact with the last three superintendents to express our daughter's input about the school system's discipline and teaching methods. 

We find Susie Riegle a great superintendent for our students and we believe that under her administration, students’ performance will continue to improve!

Parents of Elizabeth Horner, an 11^th Grade Student at Greenville City Schools

Letter from a TEA Patriot

November Is Coming

The upcoming election will be here before we know it.  Everyone needs to inform themselves about the candidates and what they stand for.  A great way to do that is to attend the Darke T.E.A. Patriots’ meetings on Tuesdays at 6:00 at the Christian Lighthouse Center. 

We will be inviting state and county candidates to our meetings to answer questions. Here are a few questions that will be asked.  Will you make it easier for businesses to locate in Darke County by lowering taxes from the state and county and reduce state and local regulations?  Will you make this a priority?  What will you do to reduce government jobs and programs.

You CAN make a difference.  If you are not registered to vote, please go to the board of elections before the deadline of October 4.  Please join us so we can educate ourselves as much as possible before this important election. 

Thank you,

Angie Bruns

Versailles

TEA Patriots Sept. 21

DARKE T.E.A. PATRIOTS MEETING REPORT SEPTEMBER 21, 2010

Could the Autumn Equinox have had an impact on this meeting?  The Druids may have celebrated this unique event every year but a Patriotic Christian group, at best acknowledges the four special times during the passing of a year but without any special meaning.

An outstanding prayer by Denis Forte started the meeting—immediately followed by a resounding Pledge of Allegiance to our Flag.

Bits & Pieces - Obama supporters disillusioned

Obama supporters disillusioned

Bits ‘n Pieces

By Bob Robinson

Sept. 22. 2010

Disappointed Supporters Question Obama on Live TV

Tuesday, 21 Sep 2010 08:27 AM

“Investing in America,” a televised dialogue Monday night between President Barack Obama and American workers, featured many disillusioned Obama supporters anxiously adrift from the proverbial American dream. Also in the mix were Wall Street folks tired of being the whipping boys of the administration, according to a New York Times report. 


Horner promotes Power of the Pen

An Open Letter to Teachers

by Elizabeth Horner

We are back in school and things are beginning to fall into place, as we're getting accustomed to each teacher's standards and routines.  It is also the time that a great program called the "Power of the Pen" starts gearing-up in Ohio which I hope that all teachers will check out, even though their writing competitions are only open to seventh and eight grade students, at powerofthepen.org.

Bits & Pieces - This is scary

This is scary

Bits ‘n Pieces

By Bob Robinson

Sept. 20. 2010

These first two come from Daily Events…

House Democrats Pass Bill to Grill School Children about Sexual Preference

by Connie Hair

At the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing last Thursday, Democrats passed a bill to require federal health officials to question anyone seeking services from Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) community health centers or other programs about their sexual orientation and “gender identity.”

Graham joins hands with the ACLU

By Charles & Rebecca Reier

When John Graham joins hands with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)[1] it will not be in church but instead in court. Who would have predicted that Dr. Graham (Doctor of Divinity -DD?²) would join forces with the ACLU against our city of Greenville based on actions our elected representatives are considering in behalf of the safety of children and families? The risk that the City is addressing is exemplified by the article (September 18, 2010 DDN) Girl, 15 tells police stranger raped her. In this report a person who was a stranger (myth-buster) grabbed her off the street and raped her. The city’s change in residency restrictions for sex offenders is simply an attempt to put children and the weakest members further out of the reach of potential predators.

    It’s both paradoxical and revealing that Graham, who has attacked the community on a moral basis[2] and belongs to a church that is adamantly pro-life, would join hands as a plaintiff with the ACLU. Over the years they have taken positions against the Ten Commandments, aggressively supported Roe vs. Wade, protected those who provide abortions, and litigated against Megan’s Law and the Adam Walsh legislation.

Bits & Pieces - Palin, Newspapers & More

Palin, Newspapers & the Power Struggle

Bits ‘n Pieces

By Bob Robinson

Sept. 20. 2010

From Newsmax.com…

Palin on 2012: 'Of Course I Would Give It a Shot'

Friday, 17 Sep 2010 07:02 PM

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Sarah Palin on Thursday praised tea party-backed politicians for "shaking up the good old boys" with new faces and ideas that she said will help restore the nation's prosperity. In an interview with Fox News on Friday, she was the most open yet about the possibility of running for president in 2012.

Key Club "works" Tour de Donut

GHS Key Club seniors Kent Holmes, president, and Spencer Lewis, and juniors Nicole Noble and Claire Sherman, treasurer, enjoy one of the side benefits of "working" last weekend's Tour de Donut.

Fourteen Key Club students served donuts to about 600 bicycle riders from a dozen states Saturday morning. Started several years ago in Illinois as a "farce" on the Tour de France, the local event started two years ago and has grown in popularity ever since. Riders get to knock five minutes off their time for every donut they eat at two stops, Bears Mill and Pitsburg.

Anonymous

PLEASE stop sending Anonymous comments. Whether it is positive or negative, I will not publish it. You have the option of posting a synonym... that will be acceptable as long as the comment is in good taste. Unfortunately, I've had to delete a number of worthwhile comments because this posted requirement has not been followed.

Special Opinion - There's still time

There’s still time

Opinion – Special Edition

By Bob Robinson

Sept. 19, 2010

Saturday was not a good day.

I saw the news early that morning when I checked the Advocate’s eNewsletter from the night before.

The ad hoc committee, at its Friday morning meeting, said it was going to recommend to the Greenville City Council that it expand Greenville’s sex offender buffer zone from 1,000 feet to 1,500 feet.

Not only that, the committee listed more than 15 areas that the buffer zone will impact, including all schools, preschools, day care centers, city parks, athletic fields and the library. The article didn’t say if these were expanded areas… but really, the Annie Oakley Park downtown?

Harter speaks to mens club

Harter speaks to Darke Republican Mens Club

Submitted by Al Bliss

The Saturday morning Darke County Republican Men’s’ Club held in the Brethren Private Dining Room at 8:00 A. M. featured Donna Harter as the morning special speaker. Her presentation caused rapt attention from an attentive audience. 

It seemed that stories told by Mrs. Harter were especially appreciated because in each case it was a personal experience. The events smoothly transitioned from her first exposure to political activities in the Darke County Office of Elections in the 1970s, through various positions in State Government until Mrs. Harter cast a vote as one of the Ohio Electoral College.  This assigned duty was an integral part of the 2000 Presidential Election.  Mrs. Harter ultimately reached the position of Elections Administrator and then Elections Project Coordinator.

Mrs. Harter shared a few of her secrets of success. One was be selective and choose your battles very carefully.  Also, always be honest and considerate. And finally, be available 24/7 to respond and help when needed.

The Darke County Republican Mens Club meets the third Saturday of every month at 8 a.m. in the private dining room at Brethren Retirement Community. A great breakfast buffet is provided for the nominal fee of $6.00. All are welcome.

Verity - Reaping what you sow

“Verity - the quality or state of being true or real; Balderdash – nonsense.”

Miriam-Webster Online Dictionary

Reaping what you sow

Verities & Balderdash

By Bob Robinson

I ran into an old friend Friday… hadn’t seen her in months. It was great – she showed me a photo of her new little one… a beautiful and precious baby girl. But more important, she was happier than when I’d last seen her.

It meant a lot, as she was one of those people who was there for me in my time of pain. Some of you might remember, she’s the one who told me about “The Bell.”

Bits & Pieces - Campaign Stuff

Campaign stuff

Bits ‘n Pieces

By Bob Robinson

Sept. 15. 2010

Probably the most eye-opening thing in Friday’s news as a new Quinnipiac Poll that shows Republican challenger for governor John Kasich with a 17-point lead over incumbent Democrat Ted Strickland.

The poll has a 3.6 percent margin of error and was conducted prior to Tuesday’s debate.

The same poll shows Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher trailing former GOP Congressman Rob Portman by 20 points for Ohio’s U.S. Senate seat.

New Information on Greenville Schools

New information has been posted and sent to me on the history and current status of the Greenville School District. As this site is updated on a regular basis, you might want to check it out periodically.

http://greenvilleschoolsneedtoknowstuff.blogspot.com/

POW/MIA Remembrance-Recognition Day

POW/MIA REMEMBRANCE – RECOGNITION DAY

     Chaplain Sam Hoeflich completing prayer before flag raising, Post Commander -  Scott Reed, Kenny Gross, Jean Klepinger -VFW Aux Guard, Marlene McGlinch - Past VFW Aux President, Greenville Mayor Mike Bowers and Lyn Bliss - VFW Aux President.    
    
At 10:30 Friday September 17, 2010, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7262, the Ladies Auxiliary and the City of Greenville through Mayor Bowers conducted a brief but meaningful ceremony in recognition of the annual POW-MIA Remembrance Day.  A prayer by Pastor Sam Hoeflich, VFW Chaplain was received by those present with sincere emotion. The event ended with the addition of the black MIA flag beneath the Star Spangled Banner and the Ohio State Flag.

Opinion - Will we listen?

Will we listen?

That’s My Opinion

By Bob Robinson

Sept. 17, 2010

“The leftward drift comes from a growing dependence on big government and entitlements.”

The dilemma?

"How do we elect representatives who will legislate responsibly (fiscally, constitutionally) when a growing majority want more largesse from their government?"

This came from a friend following Pres. G. W. Bush’s former Senior Advisor Karl Rove’s comments on Tea-backed Republican challenger Christine O’Donnell.