Welcome to the Blogosphere !

On a tip from The Mourning Constitution, I have added Sussex County Angel to the Delaware blogroll.

Welcome, Angel !

4th Annual Cpl. Brandon M. Hardy Memorial Scholarship Motorcycle Ride

What a great turnout today ! There were over 200 bikers who showed up for this worthy cause in memory and honor of Corporal Brandon M. Hardy who was KIA in Al Anbar, Iraq on April 28th, 2006. We've been to every one, and I've blogged about the event every year. Here is my post from 2007.

Be sure to visit the site dedicated to Brandon, his mother's tribute, the mission statement of the scholarship fund, and a ride in Idaho that also honors Brandon.

We met some folks at the Prices Corner Walmart parking lot at 06:30 AM, departing about 7:15. We were heading for the Gap, PA firehouse. The weather was awesome, even somewhat cool, especially when you weren't in the sun. From the firehouse, we had a pre-ride meeting. The entire ride was about 100 miles, and we were due back at 1:00 PM for a luncheon.

Pittstops were at Smaltz Harley Davidson in Chester Springs, PA and Herr's Potato Chip in Nottingham. The ride was conducted with extreme precision and the cooperation and efforts of too many people to mention. Local law enforcement helped with going through intersections and highway on-ramps by holding traffic until all of the bikes could go through. People in the surrounding area who knew about the ride were waiting along the way, young and old alike, waving American flags and cheering us on.

We managed to avoid the Amish buggies, however we did get behind a big old hay truck which got all the way to the right so the bikes could get past and keep together. Everyone rode smart and safe.

Beautiful country, with good, hard working people. I would venture to say that most of them don't want anything from the government, and would more than likely be the first to give their neighbor a helping hand. They're the gun-and-bible-clinging sort, but they are not bitter. They just want to work their land and be left alone to live their lives in peace.

At the luncheon afterwards, I won a door prize: an afghan ! I just love afghans, and this one is extra-special because it wasn't store-bought: it was hand made by someone in the area as a donation. It is beautiful ! I will treasure it forever.

That being said, here are a few pics from the ride.

A travelling wall of people in the Mid-Atlantic area who have died in service of their country. I tried to get the Delaware section:



Brandon Hardy's father's shirt reminds us that it is not always somebody else's son. Sometimes it is your own:



An interesting sticker on a friend's bike:



OMG check out this ride:



The Curmudgeon with two great friends:



Long-haired freaky people need not apply ! Viet Nam Vet Wolfman jawing with Chainsaw:

'Nuff Said

This says it all:

Douglas Elmendorf, chief of the Congressional Budget Office, said this of the leading Democratic health care proposals in the House and Senate:

"In the legislation that has been reported, we do not see the sort of fundamental changes that would be necessary to reduce the trajectory of federal health spending by a significant amount and, on the contrary, the legislation significantly expands the federal responsibility for health care costs."

Meanwhile, Keith Hennessey has his own plan.

Husband of Democratic Candidate for Senate District 19 States Position on Motorcycle Helmet Law

Gary Hilderbrand, Legislative Coordinator for ABATE of Delaware, recently sent a letter to all four announced candidates for the District 19 Senate seat.

As you may or may not know, a legislator from time to time will introduce a bill requiring all motorcyclists to wear helmets. ABATE of Delaware opposes such a measure. Mr. Hilderbrand's letter to the candidates gave a brief history of our organization, and asked for the candidate's position on motorcycle helmet laws.

The following response was received today from the husband of Democratic candidate Polly Adams Mervine:

Gary,

Thank you for your question regarding my wife's stance on legislation regarding mandatory helmet laws. You can feel confident that Polly shares her father's view on personal freedoms and would continue to oppose restrictions on those freedoms in the future.

Thanks again.

Jay Mervine

Independent Candidate for Senate District 19 States Position on Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Gary Hilderbrand, Legislative Coordinator for ABATE of Delaware, recently sent a letter to all four announced candidates for the District 19 Senate seat.

As you may or may not know, a legislator from time to time will introduce a bill requiring all motorcyclists to wear helmets. ABATE of Delaware opposes such a measure. Mr. Hilderbrand's letter to the candidates gave a brief history of our organization, and asked for the candidate's position on motorcycle helmet laws.

The following response was received today from Independent Party candidate Matthew Opaliski:

Hi there Mr. Helderbrand, and thanks for the letter regarding the background on ABATE and your inquiry into my position on helmet laws. I'm familiar with ABATE as I'm a motorcyclist myself and have been through the State sponsored safety course, and although I'm not a member of the organization I support it's efforts.

I have run for this seat twice prior to the upcoming Special Election to replace Sen. Adams, once in 2002 and again in 2006, unsuccessfully of course but that's no deterrent. One must press on and continue to fight for the things that we believe in.

I'm of the opinion that we have an over bearing legislature, to varying degrees, and I'm running to fill this seat so that good people will have someone on their side in Dover, trying to put the brakes on feel good and unnecessary legislation, e.g., a mandatory helmet law.

In running previously, it wasn't so much that I stood in opposition toAdams' conservative leanings, I think that he was great in that regard and if I'm fortunate enough to be elected I'll be looking to carry on that attitude of keeping the Government out of the areas that it really doesn't belong.

If I'm fortunate enough to be elected, your group, and all of Delaware's citizens can count on me to stand up for personal liberties when those that would seek to infringe on them introduce such measures. Some folks in Dover it seems, they just can't grasp the fact that your everyday thinking person, the folks out there working to support themselves and their families, they don't want to live in a nanny State.

I will point out that one of my opponents in this race is carrying the support of Sen. Gary Simpson, the prime sponsor of the helmet legislation that was introduced most recently, in the 144th session of the General Assembly.

If I can be of any assistance at all, whether elected or not please do not hesitate to contact me directly via mail, a phone call or email.

Thanks again.

Matthew

Matthew A. Opaliski
100 Sussex Ave, PO Box 695
Greenwood, De 19950
http://www.opaliskicampaign.com/

(Note: Phone numbers removed by blog author.)

Wow. Nice response from the Independent candidate.

Libertarian Candidate for Senate District 19 States Position on Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Gary Hilderbrand, Legislative Coordinator for ABATE of Delaware, recently sent a letter to all four announced candidates for the District 19 Senate seat.

As you may or may not know, a legislator from time to time will introduce a bill requiring all motorcyclists to wear helmets. ABATE of Delaware opposes such a measure. Mr. Hilderbrand's letter to the candidates gave a brief history of our organization, and asked for the candidate's position on motorcycle helmet laws.

The first response was receive today from Libertarian candidate Gwendolyn "Wendy" Jones:

Gary,

I received your letter today regarding helmet laws. In direct response to your question, I concur strongly with Adams' position. I fully support the citizens' right to the freedom of choice. I oppose mandatory helmet laws. I have been a motorcycle rider for over 30 years, and an ABATE supporter since my years in Maryland. I am available and interested in discussing this with you and your group personally or publicly.

In Liberty,

Gwendolyn "Wendy" Jones
19th District Senate Candidate
Libertarian Party of Delaware
http://www.delawareliberty.com
delawareliberty@gmail.com

(Note: Phone numbers removed by blog author)

Given Ms. Jones' positions on the issues, her stance is hardly surprising. I also find it refreshing that she signs off with "In Liberty". There are not many politicians who use those words. I have a feeling that they are used here not as flourish, but as sincere sentiment.

Planning a New Tattoo

I'm planning on a new tattoo. For professional reasons, I can't be inked up where it would be visible, but I'm just kind of in the mood and am thinking of one for my left shoulder blade.

I had something in mind, and scoured the internet for ideas. I found one, and sent it to Chico's Crows Nest for a quote. He said it would be about $150.

What do you think?



I'm sure Chico could do a nicer job than this. Still thinking on it....I have to mull things over before I do them.

Sometimes I wish I was a guy so I could wear it loud and proud on my arm, but that's not happening.

I'm thinking the fall sometime...any comments/suggestions/ideas are welcome.

Sarah Palin's Resignation Explained

Larry Binger in Today's News Journal

I'm so proud to know Larry. Be sure to read the story and watch the video.

Plenty of Palin Goin' On

The mainstream media and blogosphere are agog with commentary on Alaska Governor Sarah Palin’s recent announcement. If it wasn’t for the death of Michael Jackson we might have had to absorb even more. The commentaries ranged from snarky vilification, syncophantic sympathy, and a guarded watchfulness.

I am not an apologist for Governor Palin, but I have to say that I find the reactions all across the board to be fascination. My own position is pretty much summed up by a comment made by Libertarian Leanings:

It remains to be seen what's next for Sarah. From the standpoint of future political aspirations, I would have to say her resignation is not a good move. She may yet prove to be an impact player in the political world, but I have a hard time believing it will be as a candidate for high office. Not finishing her term is not good for the resume.

From a personal standpoint her resignation may have been her only move. As Mr. Steyn says, the PC enforcers are very much OK with subjecting Palin's children to national humiliation. That humiliation will continue as long as Palin continues draw the crowds at her speaking engagements, continues to threaten to liberal dreams of achieving an American socialist utopia.

The liberal media cannot let Sarah go. This astounds me, and I think that it actually works in her favor. Some of the commentary could be viewed as nearing a foaming-at-the-mouth hysteria.

At the forefront of the pack is Andrew Sullivan, who Ace of Spades describes as “the Independent roving ad-hob obstetrician at large to Sarah Palin.” It is odd that a gay man has such an obsession with a woman’s reproductive organs, but Sullivan nonetheless has been blogging constantly about the woman. He can’t let her go.

To add to the juiciness, a caller to Al Sharpton’s radio show floated the idea that Palin may have been responsible for the death of Michael Jackson:

FEMALE CALLER (31:50): He (Michael Jackson) is truly the soundtrack of my life. I also have a theory about Sarah Palin as well and I’m going to put it out there on radio, hopefully someone can investigate.

But, I think maybe she did something to Michael Jackson. Maybe there’s a scandal there. Maybe she’s stepping down because something’s about to come out. I don’t know, but I’m gonna just put it out there on your show so we’ll see.

SHARPTON: All right, thank you for your call, Ashley. That’s interesting. I’ll put it out, we’ll see. I don’t know.

Keep it real, Sharpton.

Some of the many frivolous ethics complaints were filed by disgruntled ex-Palin supporter and Anchorage activist Andree McLeon. Anchorage Daily News gives us her esteemed bio:

Anyone around Anchorage in the mid-1990s would remember McLeod as the determined vendor who fought City Hall when it ruled she couldn't sell falafels from a sidewalk stand, even as hot-dog carts proliferated. Her efforts over some two years included a quixotic campaign for mayor in 1997.

Another loser in the witchhunt was blogger Linda Kellen Biegle, who had an issue with Governor’s apparel:

Biegle brought the ethics complaint against Palin for wearing Arctic Cat gear -- the sponsor for her husband's Iron Dog team.

Are you kidding me? It’s Alaska. What is she supposed to wear, Victoria’s Secret?

While Sarah Palin may not be the glibbest commentator, at least she is not telling Israel to have a go at Iran with a couple of nukes (but it’s ok, it’s just ‘our Joe’, nod nod, wink wink), or saying that the threat of climate change was as urgent as the threat from Hitler. This wackiness goes by the wayside. It’s all good.

In all of this so-called commentary on Governor Palin, I see no mention of any particular action as Governor that is called into question. I see no discussion of her policies or her record.

It is all snarkiness, which makes me wonder, as does Common Sense Political Thought:

Why all of the attacks on an alleged lightweight? These are coming from libs as well as GOP elitists. Palin appears to be feared as a threat to the whole establishment.

What are they afraid of?

She may crash and burn, fade into obscurity (I doubt that one), or get some smart people around her that deal with the bullshit.

I think we will be hearing more from Sarah Palin.

From the Inbox: New Government Accountability Website Launched in Delaware

Update from the Caesar Rodney Institute:

You pay a lot in taxes!

Wouldn't you like to know what your elected officials and bureaucrats do with your hard-earned dollars?

What have our state and local governments, from local schools to the bureaucracy in Dover, been doing with your money?

Try asking them. You likely won't get a straight, decipherable answer.
After all, it is easier to spend other people's money if those individuals can't watch.

Now you will have a window into how your tax dollars are being spent, thanks to the Caesar Rodney Institute.

Go to Delaware Spends for yourself.

San Franciso Chronicle to Unions: NIMBY

From a state that for all intents and purposes is leading the direction of this country, can you see the irony?

The San Francisco Chronicle announced that they would stop publishing their newspaper at their aging, unionized printing plant and instead outsource the printing to a Canadian owned, non-union company.

Not surprisingly, the move has upset the labor unions…

The unreasonable demands of labor unions are one reason why California will be issuing IOUs over the next few weeks. Not the only reason, to be sure, but a might big part of it.

And while the unions are supporting a public option in the administrations health care plan that would be paid for in part by taxing some health benefits, it is in the works that unions themselves would be exempt from such tax.

But those union members serving under collective bargaining agreements would not be subjected to the tax, according to proposals under discussion.

Union workers enjoy some of the most extensive and costliest health benefits, and union officials complained their members would be unfairly burdened by a health care tax because their contracts cannot be changed quickly enough to avoid it.

Now tell me, I thought we were supposed to share the wealth? Andy Stern, powerful spokesman for the SEIU seems to think that is a good mantra. In a December 6, 2008 WSJ interview, Mr. Stern extols the idea of sharing the wealth. And he has a good idea who should be sharing. Needless to say, it won't be the SEIU:

Organized labor put up some $450 million to get Democrats elected. The SEIU accounted for $85 million of that, making Mr. Stern's union the single biggest contributor to either party in this election cycle. And just in case, the SEIU set aside an additional $10 million fund to get people unelected if need be. "We would like to make sure people appreciate that we take them at their word and when they don't live up to their word there should be consequences," he says.

Indeed.

Hitler Finds Out Michael Jackson Has Died: Changes FB Status

TEA Parties From All Over !

Glenn Reynolds, Instapundit blogger, has reports and pictures from TEA Parties around the country over the past few days.

Albuquerque, Washington DC, Fresno, Oklahoma City, Bismarck, Louisville, Asheville NC, Reno, Philadelphia

Perrysburgh OH, Bel Air MD, Washington DC, Pittsburg, Fayetteville, Kansas City, Lansing, Hernando MS, Tallahassee, Boston

Cobb County, Georgia.

These Philadelphia pictures were submitted by Instapundit reader Rich Gonzalez:

Idiot Blogger Put on Notice by Palin Attorneys

Full text here (PDF, 4 pages):

To the extent several websites, most notably liberal Alaska blogger Shannyn Moore, are now claiming as “fact” that Governor Palin resigned because she is “under federal investigation” for embezzlement or other criminal wrongdoing, we will be exploring legal options this week to
address such defamation. This is to provide notice to Ms. Moore, and those who re-publish the defamation, such as Huffington Post, MSNBC, the New York Times and The Washington Post, that the Palins will not allow them to propagate defamatory material without answering to this in a court of law. The Alaska Constitution protects the right of free speech, while simultaneously holding those “responsible for the abuse of that right.” Alaska Constitution Art. I, Sec. 5. http://ltgov.state.ak.us/constitution.php?section=1. These falsehoods abuse the right to free speech; continuing to publish these falsehoods of criminal activity is reckless, done without any regard for the truth, and is actionable.