Mount Virtus

When you’re hundreds of miles away from the scene of a massive disaster like Hurricane Katrina, and you know almost no one directly affected by the massive storm, it’s easy to lose perspective on the human toll of such events. But then you realize how many of our fellow Americans, people with moms and dads and brothers and sisters and sons and daughters, are in dire straits. The New Orleans Times-Picayune blog has been posting a series of electronically-relayed pleas from people who have lost contact with loved ones or whose loved ones are trapped and need help.

Ladies and gents, this stuff is real. They need our prayers and support. You can find a list of charitable organizations at Instapundit from which to choose. But reach out and help this effort in whatever way you can.

We see the dark side of human nature with all the reports of lootings and hostages, etc. But fellow believers especially, we can show a powerful testimony of Christ-likeness in these circumstances and do some small part to bring help to people who are seriously in need.

I know this is a somewhat remote blog with small traffic, but maybe this will catch somebody’s notice who wouldn’t have seen it otherwise.

Update, 6:40 PM: Removed the block quote - you can go visit the site for the detailed pleas. I also should have noted the heroic efforts of the US Coast Guard and others who are active in rescuing people just like those who are included at the Times-Picayune blog.

David Harsanyi’s Post column today is a valuable read. He exposes the scare tactics and duplicity of those conducting the campaign for the forever tax increase. Money quote:

One wishes legislators would have had this level of interest in the Priority Colorado report when it was released in January. Perhaps they could have saved a couple hundred million dollars. But as you can imagine, the report was almost universally dismissed by legislators.

“There’s a reason the Independence Institute is a political think tank,” said Joan Fitz-Gerald, Democratic Senate president, at the time. “They couldn’t get elected to anything. … They have only simplistic answers.”

Apparently, elected officials are the only ones with worthwhile ideas. Those who seek alternatives to wasteful government, it would seem, are simpletons.

It just makes you wonder: Why do Democratic legislators, complicated and cerebral as they are, always come up with the same answer: more taxes.

Perhaps someone should tell Senator Fitz-Gerald that saying Wal-Mart has failed America and promoting boycotts of the nation’s largest retailer is a simplistic solution, especially when you consider that the profits of Wal-Mart stock are helping to finance her pension fund.

I’d like critics to read the Independence Institute report Priority Colorado and then tell me why the solutions it contains are more simplistic or less valid than the one proposed in Referenda C and D. An intelligent debate would be more fun than simply listening to the “Ivory Tower Bunch” radio ads (which, if somebody can point me to available versions online, I’d appreciate it), as amusing as they are.

Following the lead of the El Paso and Larimer County Republican Party organizations, my own Jefferson County Republican Party has taken a significant stand in opposition to Referenda C and D. Congrats to my JeffCo GOP, under the able leadership of Chair Renee Nelson, for passing the following resolution:

Whereas, lowering the tax burden on Americans is one of the core principles of the Republican Party because Republicans believe that taxpayers know how to spend their own money better than the government does;
Whereas, The Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) was passed in by the voters in 1992 by a statewide majority;
Whereas, The TABOR provides for regular, but controlled, increases in government spending in Colorado;
Whereas, tax revenues and government spending have steadily increased in Colorado over the past several years;
Whereas, Democrats have not made a compelling case that the tax burden on Coloradoans and government spending in Colorado should be dramatically increased;
Whereas, The TABOR is the only protection taxpayers have standing between them and regular tax increases by their politicians;
Whereas, Referenda C and D would result in increasing the income tax burden on Coloradoans by over 3.7 billion dollars over only five years;
Whereas, Referenda C and D provide no control whatsoever on how and where that additional 3.7 billion dollars in tax burden is to be spent;
Whereas, the Democrat Party has, as expected, embraced the 3.7 billion dollars in additional tax burden on Coloradoans in Referenda C and D and has opposed any controls being put on spending that money;
Whereas, Referenda C and D are the most significant public taxing and spending issues before the voters in 2005; and
Whereas, the public campaign in favor of Referenda C and D has left the public poorly informed about the nature and effects of Referenda C and D.

Be it Resolved:

That the Executive Committee of the Jefferson County Republican Party opposes the passage of Referenda C and D in the November 1, 2005 election.

Said Nelson:

As Republicans, we are the party of smaller government and lower taxes, we must oppose this tax grab that will allow government to grow 10 percent faster than under current law.

Ref C & D ignore the spending side of the equation, over the next 5 years between Medicaid spending increasing by 56 percent and K-12 spending increasing by 33 percent, these two budget items will absorb all of the money from this tax increase…This is a very basic difference between Democrats and Republicans. Democrats want more of your money to spend, while Republicans think you are better equipped to spend your own money.

Colorado’s Republican Party may be on the right track after all.

Nominee for “Best New Blog by Somebody You Hoped Would Start One”…

Mike Antonucci, guru of the Education Intelligence Agency, famous for his weekly Communique, has joined the blogosphere. His vast array of sources and his tremendous insight and experience into the world of teachers unions and public education make his work a must-read. And now Mike is blogging at a site he has called “Intercepts.” Check it out and add it to your blogroll.

Perhaps I’m giving away my youth and inexperience, but I don’t remember the long gas lines that accompanied the oil shortages of the late 1970s. Not to say that now is in any way comparable to those days, but I witnessed a renewed clarity of consumer consciousness at the gas station on my way home tonight.

Knowing the Buick’s tank was lagging in the fuel department, I’ve been putting off the necessity for the past few days, burying my head as the cost of gasoline skyrockets. Nevertheless, the car was nearing empty, so I planned a stop this evening at a Wheat Ridge gas station noted for its relatively low prices.

Of course, if the numbers posted on their sign tonight had been there even two weeks ago, the scene would have been much different: $2.37 for a gallon of the lowest grade, with $2.47 for the mid-grade. (I’m a cheap, low-grade kind of guy, but if you’re a regular reader of this blog, you probably already figured that out.) Those prices would have seemed outrageous not too long ago - today, they were the best deal in town.

The station I stopped at is a low-maintenance, no-frills kind of place. They can get away with undercutting the competition. But never before have I seen so many cars fighting the narrow, rugged terrain to secure a spot at the pump… at least 10 cars at a time waiting for 6 stations. Like the others, I waited my turn. And I didn’t see anyone who pulled up while I was there drive away out of the typical impatient frustration that accompanies any American having to wait for any consumer good or service. (Hey, I resemble that remark!)

Quite fascinating, really, but the point wasn’t driven home until I passed another station six short blocks away along the same major thoroughfare, and it was completely vacant! Why? The station was charging $2.49 for the low grade and $2.59 for the mid grade. A little ways further down in Lakewood, along the intersection with the area’s main highway (US-6), another station offering $2.44 and $2.54 a gallon, respectively, had one truck on the premises filling up its tank.

Behold, market forces at work! Consumers have made a bold statement with their dollars: we’re willing to wait a few extra minutes, maybe even drive several blocks out of our way, to save a couple bucks on a tank of gas!

I’m sure the professional economists out there can give a more precise theorem for what I witnessed tonight. But it’s obvious that the pressure accompanying a rapid rise in oil prices has made middle-class American consumers much more cost-conscious, at least for the time being.

While it seems there’s no end to the dizzying increases at the fuel pump, and the family budget gets squeezed just a bit more, at least I can humor myself with an interesting observation or two.

It’s time to pay kudos to Backbone America’s addition to the blogosphere, with Senator John Andrews lending his wit and wisdom to the great political conversations of our day. Contributions so far have also been made by Sean Duffy and Beth Skinner.

Another one to add to the blogroll….

Marc Holtzman, Republican candidate for Colorado governor and ready to hit the road on a statewide tour, has unveiled his new blog:

With the 2006 gubernatorial race beginning to take shape, I am excited to bring my campaign into the blogosphere. Bloggers are today’s Minutemen, the often-time heroes who repeatedly astound us with their ability to expose Big Media’s attempts to pull the wool over the eyes of everyday citizens.

Just what you might expect to see from Colorado’s former Secretary of Technology. This is a tremendous development in state politics and may begin to redefine how campaigns are run for the next generation or so.

Of course, you should also stop by his campaign Web site. Holtzman’s attention to detail, his thoughtful platform, his outspoken stance against Referendum C and D, and his keen understanding of new media should make him a formidable opponent for Congressman Bob Beauprez, who many consider the current frontrunner in the Republican primary. (For the record, I am a partisan Republican but have yet to throw my support behind either candidate at this point.)

Anyone with an interest in Colorado politics and public affairs should bookmark Holtzman’s blog and stay tuned.

The middle of August can be the grueling days of a Colorado ballot initiative campaign. When you’re spending thousands of investor dollars trying to convince voters that a tax increase is not a tax increase, and your poll numbers are stagnating considerably below 50 percent, you need to find a laugh somewhere - for the sake of mental health, if nothing else. Taking out the pent-up angst with some jocular lampooning of your political opponents can be not only amusing but cathartic.

Let them go ahead, I say, if it makes them feel better while spending money trying to confuse Coloradans about the state of the economy and the nature of the tax increase. But when the pro-Ref C crowd seeks to be serious with its radio commercials, it can be even funnier. Their new ad tries to depict their opponent as a “taxpayer-subsidized” think tank that occupies the “ivory tower,” etc. I thought the ads had to be referring to the Independence Institute, since there’s no other think tank I know that has pointed out the Ref C Emperor is wearing no clothes. But this lame characterization then not only suffers from being truth-challenged but also from being utterly ridiculous. And why are the great proponents of the so-called fiscal fix diving deep into negativism, hurling misleading and absurd attacks at their opponents rather than making the case for their referendum? It surely isn’t the sign of a healthy campaign.

Meanwhile, Colorado’s small business owners have taken a stand against Referendum C. Another group has pointed out its economic folly, which makes the need for a good laugh among the tax increase supporters all the more urgent.

Joshua has information on Monday’s Gush Katif prayer gathering and rally in Denver to protest Israel’s forced withdrawal from Gaza. Read what he has to say, and consider attending this important event.

On a related note, have you expressed your support as a friend of Israel?

With Rutt Bridges’ announcement that he won’t pursue the Democratic nomination for governor, the crazy speculation begins.

First, this obviously doesn’t mean Bill Ritter is a shoo-in or even the anointed frontrunner for the Dem ticket.

Second, the way Bridges stepped down suggests the party leadership is trying to rally the troops around someone else. So who do Pat Waak and Company want to run? Senate President Joan FitzGerald has been out on the stump with union organizers bashing Wal-Mart. With such a play to the base, maybe she is the logical choice. Rumors are also floating around Congressman Mark Udall and Mayor John Hickenlooper, but I’m on the wrong side of the aisle myself to give a good insiders’ assessment.

Finally, Bridges’ announcement may have more to say about the campaign for Referendum C and D than the race for governor. Do you remember last summer when his Bighorn Institute pulled the initiative early to change TABOR after they saw the writing on the wall? Well, maybe Bridges recognizes that for his candidacy to go anywhere, the two ballot measures on this year’s ballot would have to pass. Stepping out of the limelight now means saving face when they inevitably will fail. Or maybe he really believes that he can do more to rescue C and D by stepping out of the governors’ race. Just speculation, my friend, but either way it’s not a good sign for those supporting the “No Refund for You” tax increase.

Meanwhile, don’t forget that Colorado’s two GOP candidates for governor, Marc Holtzman and Bob Beauprez, will be on Backbone Radio with Rob and Jessica Corry this weekend.

The overall edge in the 2006 governors’ race remains with the Republicans, but stay tuned….

Want a chance to hear both GOP gubernatorial candidates - Bob Beauprez and Marc Holtzman - address the issues and the ongoing campaign? Want to find out the latest on the forever tax increase known as Referendum C?

Then join Colorado’s conservative firebrands Rob & Jessica Corry as they guest host for John Andrews on the next edition of Backbone Radio:
When: Sunday, August 14, 5 pm - 8 pm
Station: KNUS, AM 710
Call-in number: 303-696-1971

A complete show lineup is available on JessicaCorry.com.

Vincent Carroll of the Rocky Mountain News reports that the Referendum C campaign has hired radical activist LeRoy Lemos as a consultant. As Carroll aptly describes him:

Here’s a fellow who can hardly open his mouth without accusing authorities somewhere, anywhere, of bigotry, coverup or some other lurid offense and whose October recreation includes joining the likes of Ward Churchill in suppressing the constitutional rights of those who march in the Columbus Day parade.

I don’t think your average, shrewd, middle-of-the-road tax hike supporter wants Lemos to be the face of his cause. Of course, though, he’s not there to appeal to the independent or moderate voters who the pro-C campaign should be targeting at this point for support. It sure looks like a sign of weakness to me that the tax hikers have hired Lemos as a consultant - they must believe they need to shore up support from the poor minority community and/or the liberal fringe.

The luxury campaign for C & D has struck the proverbial iceberg, and the forward compartments are filling with frigid ocean water. So when do the supporters start scrambling for the lifeboats?

Great advice (cough) for Colorado Republicans from consultant Katy Atkinson, via leftie columnist Diane Carman in today’s Denver Post: support the forever tax increase known as Referendum C. Most of the column comes off as smarmy, coy, elitist, and patronizing. But what did you expect? Conservative Republicans in Colorado have always known that Carman has their best interests at heart… right!

Remember this piece from the Post a couple weeks ago? Friendly observations from Denver’s liberal media about how the ballot issue is dividing Republicans along its fault lines. There is some measure of truth, of course, but certainly overblown.

On Monday, the Post’s voice of reason David Harsanyi recorded this exchange with Republican National Committee chairman Ken Mehlman:

I then ask Mehlman about the potential pitfalls Colorado Republicans face.

After losing both the state House and Senate, the Colorado GOP has engaged in a nasty squabble over the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, pitting a popular governor against the rank-and-file fiscal conservative base.

Not surprisingly, Mehlman says he doesn’t believe it will hurt Republicans.

But he does warn everyone to heed Ronald Reagan’s 11th commandment: “We must remain focused on what unites us, not what divides us. We ought not be attacking each other, but the fact that we’re debating how to solve problems is a positive thing.”

In his position, Mehlman can scarcely take sides, nor can he prophesy doom and gloom. But maybe what we’re seeing in Colorado is the makings of a political realignment, a shakeup that makes fiscal conservatism a true bedrock principle of the state’s GOP. Strengthened by going through the crucible of defending TABOR from special interest attacks, Republicans can rally around a strong gubernatorial candidate with strong hopes of regaining seats (and possibly control of a chamber or two) in the House and Senate in 2006.

Do you think it’s more than just a coincidence, as even the Dead Governors have pointed out, that the Democrats’ fundraising focus is so overwhelmingly into the campaign for Referenda C & D?

Or, my fellow Republican, maybe you still think Diane Carman has you and your party’s best interests at heart.