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Home Archives for General

2/7/2026 By Ben 6 Comments

Ronulans Assail Town Clerk over 31-Vote Error

Weird political story: Paranoid Ron Paul supporters harass a New Hampshire town official over a simple mistake that initially cost their candidate 31 votes but was quickly corrected. Two words for the Ronulans (in the vernacular): Chill out. Though, as Paul's campaign continues to sink like a piece of lead, I'm sure many will find a conspiracy in that, too. All part of an American political tradition, a leading historian once argued. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: General, National Politics Tagged With: paranoia, presidential primary, Ron Paul

2/7/2026 By Ben Leave a Comment

Look at (State) Senate Candidate’s Taxpayer-Funded Expenses

As my colleague noted on the Schaffer v Udall blog, a recent audit of taxpayer-funded expense accounts by the state board of education has shown just how frugal Republican U.S. Senate candidate Bob Schaffer is - as he claimed only $521. Reporters did ask board chair Pamela Jo Suckla about her $25,851, and got an answer:Suckla said her expenses were higher than other members' because she has to commute from her home in Slickrock on the Western Slope, rent cars and stay in hotels, while others live along the Front Range. She said the board held more meetings than usual last year because members were searching for a new education commissioner. Sure, that's worth extra scrutiny, but it at least gives a plausible explanation. But … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Colorado Politics, Education, General Tagged With: Bob Schaffer, Evie Hudak, expense accounts, Pamela Jo Suckla, State board of education, Sue Windels

2/7/2026 By Ben Leave a Comment

Readers Might Consider Poll on GOP Evangelicals Meaningless

I would be lying to say I didn't find poll results like this a little disconcerting: "More than half of GOP evangelicals might consider third-party candidate" if the Republicans nominate Giuliani for President. Except when you look at it closely, it doesn't really say that much. If you threw a party and ordered food based on the number who said they might consider attending, you very well could end up begging guests to take large portions of the leftovers home, or end up putting a lot in the freezer afterwards. Perhaps a more meaningful headline would have read: "Nearly half of GOP evangelicals won't even consider bolting the party, regardless of nominee." That's debatable, I suppose. Regardless, short of a real and specific … [Read more...]

Filed Under: General, My Life, National Politics

2/7/2026 By Ben 6 Comments

Rebutting Confederate Libertarianism

Thanks, Mr. Snaggle-Tooth, for your lengthy treatise in response to my prior arguments. In it you write:Ole Ben links a Liberty article by libertarian attorney Timothy Sandefur, ‘n I mus' say it’s jus’ ‘bout as good as the pro-Unionist argumint kin git. Quite Jaffian it wuz, with the acrid odor of Claremont about it. But that article got picked to pieces in-iss un', written by anothah libertarian attorney, Stephan Kinsella. (See this here response by Kinsella too.) Well, in the interest of time, here's an even better version of Sandefur's argument (link leads to abstract, from which you can download a PDF). It's a very well-documented and well-argued essay, and there isn't much I can add to it in this forum. Some of its salient … [Read more...]

Filed Under: General, History, National Politics Tagged With: Abraham Lincoln, Civil War, Confederates, secession, slavery

2/7/2026 By Ben Leave a Comment

Help Falcon Find a Parent-Friendly, Visionary Education Leader

Looking for a quick way to make your voice heard on the importance of public education reform? Falcon School District 49 is a fast-growing district in El Paso County, a district where more creative choices and options could help make a big difference for families. As its board searches for a new superintendent, Falcon is conducting a survey of what characteristics their new leader should have. There's a few reasons why you should take the few minutes to participate, answer as many questions as you can, and let them know why non-traditional experience and outside-the-box visionary thinking is to be preferred to traditional establishment credentials that offer less chance to bring real reform: 1. If you live in Falcon 49, you will be … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Education, General Tagged With: Education, Falcon School District 49, school choice, superintendent, survey

2/7/2026 By Ben Leave a Comment

Post: Our Jimmy Hoffa governor, Bill Ritter, the union bag man

What a pleasant surprise to find a strongly-worded editorial on the front page of today's reliably center-left Denver Post, condemning Gov. Bill Ritter for his cowardly Friday order in benefit of a narrow interest group at the expense of Coloradans who elected him to office last year. I almost could have written it myself. Without further ado, here goes: When Coloradans elected Bill Ritter as governor, they thought they were getting a modern-day version of Roy Romer, a pro-business Democrat. Instead, they got Jimmy Hoffa. "Our Jimmy Hoffa governor, Bill Ritter" ... It has a nice ring to it. Ritter campaigned under the guise of a moderate "new Democrat" but now we know he's simply a toady to labor bosses and the old vestiges of his party … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Colorado Politics, General, Labor

2/7/2026 By Ben Leave a Comment

GOP Primary Thoughts for the Day

Today is the Michigan Republican Presidential primary: Here's hoping that my home state can do its part to derail the McCain Train before it carries the whole Republican Party and conservative movement off the cliff. Meanwhile, Fred is on fire in South Carolina: See here and here for a sample of the details. On the other hand, Paul Mirengoff at Powerline opines that a McCain Michigan victory catapulting him to frontrunner status coupled with Fred's rising status as the leading conservative challenger in South Carolina might do wonders for Fred's campaign. Perhaps, but I'm not willing to take the chance with McCain. Today, I cheer for Romney. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: General, National Politics Tagged With: Fred Thompson, McCain disaster, Michigan, Republican presidential primary, South Carolina

2/7/2026 By Ben Leave a Comment

Post and Bill Ritter: A Classic Case of Endorsement Remorse?

You've read about the editors of the Denver Post assailing Gov. Ritter for his cowardly, pro-union executive order? Talk about eating your words: His successor must have a clear vision for Colorado, advancing the state's economy while protecting its natural resources. He must have the will to seek bipartisan solutions with a divided legislature and a restless business community. He needs firm resolve that won't wilt under political pressures. He must see government as a force to advance the health and education of Coloradans. And, in this perilous time, to safeguard our borders from enemies, drug runners and the risks of natural disaster. He must be ready to crack down on illegal immigration while laying out a welcome mat for … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Colorado Politics, General, Labor

2/7/2026 By Ben 1 Comment

Romney Wins, Now What?

Mitt Romney recorded an impressive win in the Michigan primary tonight. Hats off to him. Now here's hoping that Fred Thompson surges back to take South Carolina and Rudy makes a comeback with a Florida victory. It will drive all the pundits mad, simply mad - especially those in the MSM beginning to mourn McCain's demise. Can you imagine it? The phrase "Republican frontrunner" will set off unending fireworks on all the cable news programs. So should the word "momentum," which professional and amateur prognosticators appear to have put too much stock into this far. Huckabee's Iowa win got him what? Back-to-back third-place finishes. And McCain went from one week as the New Hampshire darling to badly beaten in Michigan the next. So who … [Read more...]

Filed Under: General, National Politics Tagged With: Florida, Fred Thompson, Michigan, Mitt Romney, presidential primary, Republican National Convention, Rudy Giuiliani, South Carolina

2/7/2026 By Ben 2 Comments

Welcome, Big Labor Bill

In light of union bag man Gov. Bill Ritter's recent political leap into the arms of union bosses, we welcome the new Web site Big Labor Bill - "a Big Labor loving blog that loves Bill Ritter for screwing over the business community and Colorado for a pay back to big labor." Check it out. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Colorado Politics, General, Labor

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About Me

Ben DeGrow
Grateful and growing Christian, devoted husband and father of 3, public policy analyst, returned to Michigan by way of Colorado, conservative writer, lifelong learner, Detroit Tigers fan.

Recent Posts

  • AI-Enhanced Cyberbullying: The Dark Side of Teen Innovation
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  • The Christmas Music Countdown You’ve Been Looking For: 2022 Edition

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