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Home Archives for General

2/7/2026 By Ben 2 Comments

Take Me to Your Leader(ship Program)

Yes, the rumors are true... I will be joining fellow Alliance member Joshua in the 2006 class of the Leadership Program of the Rockies. Proof of powerful alumni influence? That might be a more plausible theory if he were in the country. But I'm grateful to be aboard and look forward to sharing reports of the upcoming adventure with my readers. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Colorado Politics, General, My Life

2/7/2026 By Ben Leave a Comment

Work in Progress

As you can see, the site has undergone some cosmetic change. It is a work in progress, with a new theme and revised template soon to come. Thanks for your patience, and as always, keep reading the work of the Rocky Mountain Alliance of Blogs. The site should look very different again soon. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: General

2/7/2026 By Ben Leave a Comment

Getting the Purple Finger

If ever you've been inclined to dip your right index finger in purple ink, then my friend, there is no time like the present. Don't forget that you can show your solidarity with the brave men and women building a peaceful, democratic government in Iraq as they go to the polls on December 15 for their first parliamentary elections. Check out the links below to find out more: Purple Finger For Freedom Bill Bennett's open letter to store owners and managers KNUS (710 AM) is gathering digital photos of purple fingers to send along to Iraq Free Republic posts a collection of pictures from this week's early voting in Iraq … [Read more...]

Filed Under: General, World Events

2/7/2026 By Ben 1 Comment

Run, Cindy, Run

All I can say to this tidbit is please, please, please... That Hugo Chavez endorsement could go a long way with a significant segment of the California electorate. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: General, National Politics

2/7/2026 By Ben Leave a Comment

If It’s Not Close, They Can’t Cheat (Colorado Style)

Mike at Best Destiny has already commented on the story of Colorado Democrats being caught and receiving an unprecedented penalty for illicit 2004 campaign activities, so I can't add a lot. Kent Lambert of the Republican Study Committee deserves commendation for his perseverance and his thoroughness in pursuing the prosecution of an election law penalty, something with a high burden of proof. Mike is right - of course, we shouldn't be surprised. Hugh Hewitt wrote all about it in his 2004 classic, If It's Not Close, They Can't Cheat. If you haven't read it, or need a refresher, pick it up and give it a good perusal before the 2006 elections. Peter Blake of the Rocky Mountain News brought Lambert's intriguing story to light, one that … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Colorado Politics, General

2/7/2026 By Ben Leave a Comment

18-Year-Old Mayor

As a graduate of Hillsdale College, the one-time co-host of a weekly sports talk show on farm radio WCSR, and former sports editor of the Hillsdale Daily News, I was highly amused to read this story in today's Detroit News: Michael Sessions' political career had an inauspicious start: When he ran for student council this year, he lost. Now he's about to be mayor. Sessions, an 18-year-old high school student, won a long-shot write-in campaign this week to oust Hillsdale's 51-year-old mayor. "I just thought I'd give it a shot," Sessions said with a smile. "I hoped I'd win. But I didn't really know what would happen." Driving into the tiny Southern Michigan county seat from almost any direction, you'll encounter a sign that … [Read more...]

Filed Under: General, My Life, Random and Miscellaneous

2/7/2026 By Ben Leave a Comment

John Stossel Takes on Education

It's not often I advise readers to tune into a television program. Here's an exception: this Friday night at 10 PM Eastern (9 PM Denver local time) on ABC, John Stossel brings his free market instincts and no-nonsense approach to tackle the issue of education. I encourage you to watch "Stupid in America: How We Cheat Our Kids" (or set the VCR or TiVo if you've got big plans on Friday). … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Education, General, Random and Miscellaneous

2/7/2026 By Ben Leave a Comment

Holtzman-Spradley ’06: It’s Official

Last week's rumors were true - the decision was made official this morning: Republican gubernatorial candidate Marc Holtzman has again bolstered his campaign with the announcement that former Speaker of the House Lola Spradley will be his running mate. Spradley, who has been welcomed to the team with open arms, expressed her support for her new running mate's vision and philosophy. Among other things, she brings the credentials of a highly-respected term of legislative service and a strong base of popularity in the region of Pueblo and southeastern Colorado. There is excitement and enthusiasm among grassroots supporters across the state for Holtzman's decision and for the direction his campaign is headed. Following in the wake of last … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Colorado Politics, General

2/7/2026 By Ben 2 Comments

Referendum E???

Clarification: It has come to my attention that some confusion has arisen regarding the nature of action taken by the School Finance Interim Committee at its Tuesday, September 27 meeting. No formal votes were taken, but at the request of Senator Sue Windels - Committee Chair - informal straw polls were taken to indicate the committee's interest in taking future action on various ideas for legislation proposed by committee members. When Senator Windels introduced her "Referendum E" proposal, a straw poll of committee members showed four of the 10 objecting to taking future action. The significance of the legislators' interest in promoting a tax increase beyond Referenda C and D remains. DENVER - Amid a heated election contest to suspend … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Colorado Politics, General

2/7/2026 By Ben Leave a Comment

Hugh in Hillsdale

Hugh Hewitt, self-ascribed "Warden of the Collegiate Peaks," is on the campus of my alma mater today to take part in a Center for Constructive Alternatives (CCA) Seminar on the "News Media Today." Hugh is scheduled to speak tomorrow evening on "The Political Significance of the Blogosphere." Other speakers include Brent Bozell, Nat Hentoff, P.J. O'Rourke, David Brooks, Joseph Epstein, and Bill Sammon. Were I a student at the Hills & Dales today, this would probably be a CCA in which I would enroll. Maybe this book will be required reading for the course. Two Hillsdale posts in a row... phew! They will have to suffice for now, as a book review and important political announcement both loom on the horizon. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Education, General

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Inside

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    The Rise & Fall of Al Gansee
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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
  • My Baker’s Dozen of Top 2023 Reads
  • Common Learning Disabilities in Children
  • Tips to Teach Kids to Set and Achieve Goals
  • The Christmas Music Countdown You’ve Been Looking For: 2022 Edition

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Blogs Extraordinaire

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Completing the Blogroll

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Rocky Mountain Alliance 2.0

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To Contact Me:
bendegrow-at-gmail.com

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