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Home Archives for National Politics

8/18/2008 By Ben Leave a Comment

Union Members and Fee Payers Foot Bill for Leaders’ DNC Invesco Suites

From Bloomberg.com (H/T Mike Antonucci):Seven unions, including the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, have stepped in to help pay for the Democratic National Convention in Denver after the host committee announced in June it was $10 million short of its fundraising goals. The host committee, as a private organization, can accept unlimited corporate, union and individual contributions. And while presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama and the Democratic National Committee are refusing contributions from registered lobbyists, the ban doesn't apply to the convention. Mike Antonucci also cites a Los Angeles Times piece that indicates donors can get "stadium skyboxes" to watch the Obamessiah's big … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Education, General, Labor, National Politics, Sports and Leisure Tagged With: agency fees, American Federation of Teachers, Barack Obama, Bloomberg, Democratic National Committee, Democratic National Convention, Democrats, Denver, executive suites, fatcat, fundraising, host committee, Invesco Field, labor bosses, labor unions, Los Angeles Times, Mike Antonucci, National Education Association, Obamessiah, registered lobbyists, stadium skyboxes, teacher unions, union members

8/18/2008 By Ben 1 Comment

Barack Obama: Question of Human Life “Above My Pay Grade”

Not only is Barack Obama's record on human life atrocious and frightening, but he seems utterly unable to give a clear, honest, or reasonable answer on the topic: "Above my pay grade"? So the buck stops where? More Americans need to wake up to the hollowness of the Barack Obama candidacy, and to think seriously about what kind of leader they want. Perhaps Barack Obama is genuinely confused about when human life begins and should be protected. After all, in some cases his confusion seems to extend beyond the point of birth (Scott Johnson at Powerline has more). No matter how he tries to dress it up, it's hard to deny that Obama is in the pocket of the abortion absolutist lobby. Meanwhile, one Red State diarist is just thankful … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christianity and Faith, Cultural Conservatism, General, National Politics Tagged With: "above my pay grade", abortion, abortion absolutist lobby, agnostic, Barack Obama, Born Alive Infants Protection Act, evangelicals, forum, hollow candidacy, human life, irresponsible leadership, John McCain, megachurch pastor, Powerline, Red State, Rick Warren, Scott Johnson, William Lobdell, YouTube

8/14/2008 By Ben Leave a Comment

American Victory Coalition Patriotic Rally in Denver on Sunday, Aug. 24

It's good to see a breath of fresh air and common sense coming to Denver to counter the sea of Moonbat protesters drawn to the Democratic National Convention like moths to a flame. The American Victory Coalition is holding a patriotic rally in support of our troops and victory at Denver's Pioneer Monument Park on Sunday, August 24, from 10 am to 2 pm. Go here to find more details on speakers, security, suggestion for what to bring, and other details like parking and transportation. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: General, National Politics, World Events Tagged With: American Victory Coalition, common sense, Democratic National Convention, Denver, fresh air, moonbat protesters, patriotic rally, Pioneer Monument Park

8/14/2008 By Ben Leave a Comment

Barack Obama and the Challenging Politics of Merit Pay: Denver Edition

Just wanted to bring your attention to a great new piece by Hannah Sternberg at The Weekly Standard on the politics of merit pay, a topic all too near to my heart. Most of the article explores a proposal by the reform-minded chancellor of Washington, D.C. Public Schools - Michelle Rhee - and how it's being received in this dysfunctional, bureaucratic education system. But the article also takes a peek at events surrounding Denver's groundbreaking ProComp teacher pay program, including a mention of the recent tensions that have resulted in strike threats. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Education, General, Labor, National Politics Tagged With: Barack Obama, bureaucratic, contract negotiations, D.C. Public Schools, Democratic Party, Denver, dysfunctional, education reform, Hannah Sternberg, John McCain, labor interests, merit pay, Michelle Rhee, Mike Antonucci, performance-based compensation, politics, presidential nominee, ProComp, Rocky Mountain News, teacher pay, teacher quality, teacher strike, teachers unions, The Weekly Standard

8/13/2008 By Ben Leave a Comment

Morning After Soundbite Reflections on Colorado’s Primary Election

This, of course, is the reason why I preferred someone other than Mike Coffman to win the 6th Congressional District primary:Gov. Bill Ritter is poised to appoint a new secretary of state — no doubt a fellow Democrat. Republican Secretary of State Mike Coffman won the 6th Congressional District primary. As the district is heavily Republican, Coffman is expected to win the seat in November. Among the names often mentioned as possible appointees to the $68,500-a-year-post are House Speaker Andrew Romanoff and Senate Majority Leader Ken Gordon. Both Democrats are term limited. What's done is done. Fox is in charge of the hen house now. On the up side, the Democrats' phony watchdog group Colorado Ethics Watch will have to look for … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Colorado Politics, General, National Politics Tagged With: 2nd Congressional District, 6th Congressional District, Andrew Romanoff, appointment, Big Labor, Bill Ritter, Colorado, Colorado Democracy Alliance, Colorado Ethics Watch, Dave Ruchman, Dead Governors, Democrat, Doug Bruce, Jared Polis, Jefferson County, Joan Fitz-Gerald, Ken Gordon, Mark Udall, Mike Coffman, Pat Stryker, Republican, Secretary of State, Sue Schafer, Tim Gill, Wil Armstrong

8/12/2008 By Ben 3 Comments

Primary Results Roll In: It’s Mike Coffman, Joshua Sharf, Doug Lamborn

Early primary results are in ... Congratulations to Mike Coffman, the next Representative from Colorado's 6th Congressional District. He wasn't my first choice, but he will do a fine job in Congress. Wil Armstrong had a big deficit to overcome, but despite his late surge couldn't make up the difference. Congratulations also to fellow blogger Joshua Sharf, whose hard work and consistent conservative Republican message has paid off in a primary victory. As predicted, incumbent Doug Lamborn has held on in the 5th Congressional. Wish it were Jeff Crank, but there's no use looking back. On the Democrat side, upstart liberal millionaire Jared Polis holds a lead over party favorite and career pol Joan Fitz-Gerald. But this one is still … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Colorado Politics, General, National Politics Tagged With: Colorado, Democrat, Doug Lamborn, Jared Polis, Jeff Crank, Joan Fitz-Gerald, Joshua Sharf, Mike Coffman, primary election, Republican, Wil Armstrong

8/12/2008 By Ben Leave a Comment

El Presidente Headed to RNC … Reader, Can You Spare a Dime (or 2)?

El Presidente, the hard-working and creative blogger at Slapstick Politics, is heading to the Republican National Convention in the Twin Cities to provide his creative brand of new media coverage from a center-right Colorado perspective. Any financial support you can give him is appreciated. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: blogging, Colorado Politics, General, National Politics Tagged With: blogger, Colorado, El Presidente, financial support, Republican National Convention, Slapstick Politics

8/11/2008 By Ben Leave a Comment

Tables May Be Turning Against Denver Teachers Union in ProComp Faceoff

Negotiations between Denver Public Schools (DPS) and Denver Classroom Teachers Association (DCTA) are as heated as ever, with the performance pay plan known as ProComp still at stake:Denver Public Schools officials want an overhaul they say will better attract and retain talented teachers. The union says the current plan is fair to all teachers but that the DPS proposal would favor beginning teachers over veterans. Three days of mediation are set to begin Aug. 20, and the union has told teachers to prepare for a strike if no agreement is reached. In essence, the district's proposal is too radical for the union, which thrives on its perceived role as a defender of teacher security and must appease many of the more veteran teachers … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Colorado Politics, Education, General, Labor, National Politics Tagged With: bargaining contract, Democratic National Convention, Denver Classroom Teachers Association, Denver Post, Denver ProComp, Denver Public Schools, Denver Teachers for Change, EdNews Colorado, education reform, equal outcomes, mediation, Michael Bennet, negotiations, online petition, progressive, proposals, radical, school district, tactics, teachers, teachers strike, teachers union, union leadership, union representatives

8/4/2008 By Ben Leave a Comment

The “Guerrilla Congress” Continues: A Reason to be Proud of GOP

From the Heritage Foundation blog: How refreshing ... I haven't had reason to truly be proud of Republicans in Congress in a long time. Just want to let the "guerrilla Congress" know that we're watching you out here in Colorado and cheering you on - ready to do what we can to help get the word out. Does it involve political posturing? Is it somewhat theatrical? Yes - but it makes the point: Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats don't even want to debate about a comprehensive energy policy. They aren't listening to the American people. Call Nancy Pelosi at 202-225-0100 - and your own Representative, too - to urge them to come back and debate the American Energy Act. Maybe, just maybe, the Republicans finally are listening … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Energy, General, National Politics Tagged With: broken promise, Colorado, day off, Democrats, Energy policy, Guerrilla Congress, Heritage Foundation, Mark Udall, Nancy Pelosi, political posturing, YouTube

8/1/2008 By Ben Leave a Comment

Call the President for a Special Session of Congress to Address Energy Problem

Update: You can sign an online "Don't Go" petition that has a similar sentiment. After seeing the Congress adjourned, Nancy Pelosi shut off the lights, kicked out the reporters, and fled from the issue of the nation's domestic energy supply. But under his Constitutional authority, the President can call a special session of Congress to force our elected officials to remove the burdensome restrictions that keep the United States dependent on foreign oil and people paying $4 a gallon for gas. Call the White House comment line at 202-456-1111 Monday to Friday between 9 AM - 5 PM Eastern (7 AM - 3 PM Colorado time), and respectfully urge the President to call a special session of Congress. Liberal Democrat elites in Congress like … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Energy, General, National Politics Tagged With: Congress, Constitutional, domestic energy supply, foreign oil, gasoline prices, Harry Reid, Ken Salazar, Mark Udall, Nancy Pelosi, President Bush, special session, United States, White House

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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
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